"Cowardly Pastors"
“A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priest’s rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way." [Jeremiah 5:30-31]
Recently a friend sent me a short video of a speech by Charlie Kirk from Turning Point USA. The title of his message was Cowardly Pastors. His point, well expressed and well taken, was that too many of America's pastors are afraid or unwilling to speak out about the moral, ethical, and spiritual decline facing our nation.
Our friends wanted to let us know that we don't stand alone; that many others are equally perplexed by the almost total silence of our pulpits regarding the critical issues of our day: abortion, sexual immorality of every kind, political, corporate & scientific corruption, the lukewarm condition of the Church, and the almost total disregard of the Constitution. These things are destroying our nation, as well as the Church. How long before Jesus removes our lampstand? [Revelation 2,3]
I also understand that if you are gay, trans, woke, progressive, or a supporter of the above, you do not want to hear a literal interpretation of what the Bible says about these evils and their consequence. Still, what I find more puzzling is that many genuine believers have the misguided opinion that these topics are about politics, and as such, have no place in church. They argue that sinners find talking about sin, offensive! They desire a "kinder, gentler gospel," which I would argue, "is a different gospel; which is really not The Gospel at all." [Galatians 1:6,7] The problem is that The Gospel is inherently offensive, especially to those who reject its message and morality. That's why Martin Luther, who didn't mind offending anyone, warned his peers...
If you preach the gospel in all aspects, except for the issues which deal specifically with your time, you are not preaching the gospel at all.
In a world obsessed with being relevant, the only thing that is constantly and consistently relevant is The Gospel. [1Corinthians 7:31] That is precisely why it's offensive to those who want to distort it, discount it, or ignore it altogether. As Jeremiah lamented about his own generation, whom he described as being like petulant children unwilling to hear "NO,"...
You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. [Jeremiah 5:3]
So, even though I can't excuse cowardice in the pulpit, I do understand it. Shepherds of the flock are tempted to shirk their responsibilities for many reasons, but here are three that stand out today:
1) Many pastors have co-dependent personalities. They have a deep need to be liked. Like many of the Jewish leaders who were silent about their faith in Jesus...
... because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. [John 12:42,43]
Their fear of being criticized or canceled terrorizes enough to comply with the "officially approved and sanctioned" narrative.
2) Most pastors see themselves as employees (hirelings) of the church, not shepherds. [John 10] They take their cues from the congregation and the leadership. And because their position is based upon performance, and performance is measured by nickels (income) and noses (attendance), they avoid speaking on topics, or in a manner that would adversely affect either.
3) Lastly, most pastors are overworked & underpaid, causing their homes to be filled with financial pressures and emotional neglect. They face conflicts at home and within the church. Many are just plain emotionally and spiritually exhausted.
Yet it's not all the pastors’ faults. As Jeremiah noted, the princes were oppressors, the prophets were liars, and the priests abused their authority; but inexplicably he added... "my people love it this way."
Revival doesn't begin in the pulpit; it begins in the pew. As God told Solomon...
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. [2 Chronicles 7:14]
Granted, it helps if pastors speak The Truth, boldly and clearly. But in the end, it is the responsibility of The People to humble themselves and pray. Again, as God told Jeremiah, it only takes ONE to change the church and save the culture…
Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city. [Jeremiah 5:1]
Revival and restoration begin with you! Let's move from criticism to contributing in whatever way God has given you. Life is short. Make a difference!