The Lee County Ledger    Weekly Pastor's Corner

Gary's Musings             by Gary Collier

I am a firm believer in the power of Christ’s church to alter and even change society. One of the foundations of our country’s beginnings was a declaration in the Constitution that there will always be a separation of church and state. Both affect us, of course; one governs us by law and the other by forming our beliefs.

 In the midst of this “crooked and perverse nation” (Philippians 2:15) the church, Christ’s bride, stands tall preaching and teaching that the true gospel message will change society by one individual at a time. 

Fast forward with me and try to imagine that the church’s work has been completed. Everyone is now saved and there are no more souls to gain. What would happen then? How would that affect the world around us?

The locksmiths would go out of business, right? There would be no reason for locks or keys any longer if thieves submitted their lives to Christ! What about police officers? Their forces could be substantially reduced, couldn’t they? Politicians would be doing their job for the right reasons and – get this – we could believe them, because they would never lie to us! I know, that seems hard to imagine for me too. 

The bars would go out of business, along with strip joints. Pornographers would have no one to sell their product to, so spam e/mails would go the way of the dinosaur! Security guards would be unnecessary. Shoplifting would cease.

 War, that great thief of rising generations, would be over. Instead of fighting and killing other nation’s children we would communicate and work things out as Christian brothers ought to do.

By now you’ve either quit reading this column or you’ve decided that I’m a writer of fairy tales!

Our society glamorizes and promotes ultra-successful people as “world changers”, and certainly some of their ideas and products have changed the world we live in. Where would we be without Microsoft or Apple Computers? Do you know how they became successful, though? With one customer at a time buying their computers because they were convinced that their lives would be bettered by that purchases, that’s how!

 Guess what? I believe that the church can alter society in the same way, by convincing individuals that their lives will be better with Christ in their hearts, removing the old and sinful nature, and leading their thoughts, intents and actions by His spirit. We’re going to first have to live the example of a changed life in front of folks, and then have the boldness to talk to them about their lives and souls and have courage enough to pray with them when they’re ready. It’s that simple!

One changed life, one soul at a time, the church can fulfill it’s mission to “go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (St. Mark 16:15)

It starts with me and you. Will you stand up for Jesus?

Archived Gary's Musing Click Here