THE GREAT RESET ARTICLE
Matthew 7 has been keeping me up at night. Literally. If you have insomnia or struggle to fall asleep, then reading it is not a good idea, unless you have some melatonin laying around. It has become my heartbeat for ministry this season with the INDOUBT team.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
Now, you’re probably thinking, “well, that kind of makes sense, right?” That’s what I honestly thought too, until I realized who Jesus was talking to. At first, I assumed the wide way was filled with people who outwardly and openly denied God. But if you read closely, you’ll see who Jesus is talking to. And it’s not who you think.
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (vs. 22-23, NIV)
Whoa…
Jesus is talking to people who seem to have this outward appearance of being “believers.” People who were saying, “Lord, Lord,” prophesying, performing miracles and casting out demons. And here lies the restless nights. Connect that to today’s reality. We are witnessing an exodus from the Church at large, where many young people are questioning if Christianity is even relevant in today’s culture. They are heading for the exits.
I’ve heard it said before that, “what we win them with is what we win them to.” Unfortunately, much of what young people are being exposed to across the country is anything but the Gospel. The seeker-sensitive movement still operates as many pastors continue to try their best to not offend 100% of their congregations 100% of the time. Naturally, this causes leaders to compromise on truth for the sake of grace. Congregations end up fitting in rather than standing out. We are called to live gracefully and truthfully, and when we do that; we stand out rather than fit in. That has always been our role as believers. That is why Jesus refers to believers as salt and light. We are to be distinctly different.
I believe these theological compromises have contributed to the mass exodus. The Church needs a great reset. A second reformation. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to go back to the Bible and preach the truth graciously with our words and actions. I pray that the outcome of all we do to resource young adults through indoubt will be a part of a great change. That we can help not only lead people to Christ, but empower believers to truly live salty, bright lives. Even if that means we’ll likely be hated by the world. That we’ll look like rebels. Outcasts. That’s okay. In fact, that’s how it’s supposed to be. It’s time for us to unashamedly stand firm on God’s Word. It’s time to be rebels for the Gospel.
