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Articles
Power Religion
I heard an interesting observation the other day, I would like to consider for a few moments. The comment was this: A brother made observation of a couple who attend a particular denominational church. He pointed out that the couple was not religiously minded, but that by attending this certain denomination, there were several contacts with members of that church, and this was good for their business. His view and take about the couple were they had a "Power Religion." No doubt, there are people like this in the religious world. To them religion is merely a means to a greater end, economic wealth. Paul said, "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." I Tim.6:5. Peter speaks about those who would "make merchandise of you" 2 Pet.2:3. Some are more interested in fleecing the sheep rather than feeding the sheep. If coming to church is merely carnally motivated to make business contacts, and promote your professional services, you are wasting your time and deceiving your own heart. Now certainly, "pure religion" is good as James teaches us, Jm.1:27, but "Power Religion" is worthless. Our motive for coming, should only be to worship and serve Jehovah God, "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matt.4:10. Now if one incidentally can deal with brethren in helping one another in the things of this world, I see nothing wrong with this. But such should not be the reason to attend church. Of course some people attend services for other bad reasons: To get a mate, to get somebody off their back, to apply a little salve to the conscience, to socialize; You get the point. No beloved, let our motives be pure and sincere in our service to God. "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:" I Tim.1:5. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." II Tim.1:5. May our faith, love and motivation be pure and genuine!
