🏫 CHURCHES- FAMILY OR COMPETITION?

Going against traditions and theological falsehood

5.02.23

The title of this post was presented as a question; a "meme," actually, that stood out to me because it strikes every necessary note of modern, mind-numbing nonsense we try to wrap our heads around almost daily. The meme (or misnomer), presented in this quandary, was meant to be- designed to be- confusing. Shredding this meme is as easy as defining what " competition " is and "who" is family.

Here are 5 points to dissect this meme. At the end, I share thoughts on a word the world has, in my opinion, thoroughly vandalized: "Community."

Churches- Family or Competition? Delving In.

1. DEFINING "FAMILY"- The Scriptures state that Yeshua and His Father set the standard to identify "family." The wheat and tare for now grow together. We do, however, have a good litmus test for "family." I go into more in point #3.

2. COMPROMISED CHURCHES- The contemporary churches are saturated and bogged down in false doctrines, peddling the sloppy-grace of unrepentance, unaccountability, entitled prosperity, and insisting on upholding pagan-inspired traditions as a mountain they're willing to die on.

3. TESTING BY WHO'S STANDARD?- As earlier stated, the Heavenly, Royal family makes the final call on who is, or is not, family. However, I believe that by using the written Word of the Most High as the only factual standard of identification, we can get a really good idea of who our spiritual family actually is. We can start by recognizing those who value the 10 Commandments. They live with a heart of conscientious repentance and live carefully to avoid snares. "Family" does everything they can to learn the Father's ways, understand them, and actively adopt them as their own lifestyle. They esteem the Restored Names with great reverence. After all, it is the "Family" Name of YeHoVaH. They continually look to the Word for Truth, and stand ready to buck worldly traditions, and renounce ALL cultural deceptions no matter how many generations deep they are. Root and all is removed, and the process of being HIS set-apart family begins.

4. COMPETITION? WITH WHAT?- In no way would I view what the modern churches do as "competition." I'm aware, to some degree, of what goes on in contemporary churches, but viewing their efforts and effects as competitive gives "churches" waaay too much credit. I've seen 1st hand how pew-warmers can dress up, show up, and stand up in church, then disregard any semblance of righteous living on the other side of the church walls. How can they be classified as "competition?"

"COMMUNITY" OF COMPROMISE- A large "community" presence by way of plate dinners, yard and bake sales to enlarge facilities, add amenities, or pad pews is not ministry. If done correctly, ministry is devoid of luxury. Genuine ministry uses its corporate resources on, and for, the shattered, desperate lives of orphans, widows, and the vulnerable, broken lives that seek fundamental change through understanding YHVH'S written living Word- all of it. Ministry means "to serve," not enrich or satiate the spiritually thirsty soul with philosophical mantras, in-house coffee nooks, or elaborate PA systems. By simply following Yeshua's example, true "ministry" stays in correct perspective. If "what would Jesus do" was truly thoughtfully considered, the wasteful, self-pleasing ways of the modern church would cease.

I'm positive Yeshua would not stand by the trunk of a car on Satan's most hallowed event, Halloween, handing out anything. It is the continual stirring of the pot of demonic pagan practices, be it Santa, Easter (Ishtar-fertility worship), or anything else, in an effort to legitimize these pagan-rooted abominations with the Holy, that is completely unacceptable. The delusional "community" that participates and encourages others to do the same is at enmity (hostile opposition) with the very God they claim to serve. If there's a Christmas tree in the church, or an Easter bunny, there's your proof of muddy water. Get out, don't look back, and don't apologize. When asked why, simply say "conviction."

Here's a very quoted verse-

📍Ephesians 6:12- For WE wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." I see NO illusions of competition in this verse. Instead, I do see a constant war, fought by "we." We, the faithful, courageous, unconforming family, fight by standing on the unadulterated Truth and walking in righteousness to the best of our ability.

5- COMPETITION? NO, IT'S WARFARE-

Lastly, the meme itself, "Churches, Family or Competition," is presented as a declarative statement in which "Family or "Competition" is "non-existent." The differences are not comparable because they are a universe apart- apples compared to oranges, or should I say, "tares to wheat?" It appears to be a well-crafted play on words, reaching for the hearts and minds of the easily confused and lukewarm to hash out and argue over among themselves.

There's no competition; only spiritual WARFARE- a war that's already been won by Yeshua. Those traveling His narrow path fight by standing daily for every inch gained in the spiritual victory. We're called "more than conquerors," but also warned we're being sent forth as "sheep among wolves." Matt. 10:16

🕎TWO ROADS- If we were on a road of "competition" with churches, we'd be succumbing to the snare of sparring in the same arena: the never-ending cycle of "one-upmanship." We'd also be on the same road to YHVH'S judgment for poor discernment and lack of wisdom. The narrow way cares less about potlucks, bazzares, crafts for sale, coffee bars, or woofer speakers, or drum sets that deliver foot-tapping, feel-good entertainment instead of ushering in reverent worship and prayer.

Conversely, the "Torah road" chooses YHVH'S 10 Laws (Commandments) of Covenant, and can testify of His faithfulness to keep His promises and bestow blessings- much better than the road of "competition." YHVH'S reward is FAR better than the smooth, feel-good word-games and well-orchestrated programs the enemy employs on the emotionally driven heart and itching ears of the modern church.

THE CHURCH "COMMUNITY"- There's no shortage of souls that value their inclusion in "community" over taking the solitary position of YHVH'S ways. But a "community" of knowingly (or unknowingly) comfortably entertained, conforming souls, in error, is tragic. Choosing "community" over courageous, non-conformists striving to be Biblically authentic and uncompromising in honoring the ways of YHVH is the common sway of most churches. It seems more have bought into the "community of churchianity," which looks more like a private "members-only" club by way of monetary support. Rather, walking in Torah obedience and forsaking vain traditions for the Father's Appointed Times is a totally different road, with a cross to bear that involves being ostracized and shunned by family and friends, and church members will be the first to say, bye. It's always been far easier and human nature to follow the crowd, traditions, and compromises steeped in generations of error.

Followers of the "Nazarene" are so single-minded, having both eyes intently on Him, that they leave the sorting out of the contemporary "church" to Yeshua. They're willing to assist anyone seeking Truth by pointing them to YHVH'S ways, minus men's denominational doctrines.

People seeking, "community" instead of Truth, find it's easier inside modern church walls than on the narrow path. Torah folks are willing to walk away from said, "community," jobs, or family- we love Truth more, we love Yeshua more. Messiah said. "follow Me." He didn't say find a compromise or denomination, and soak in its doctrinal muddy water.

IF self-affirming word-salads solidify the camaraderie of a feel-good, emotionally driven "community," where's the everlasting merit in it? Yeshua brings DIVISION and a SWORD- there is no competition.

Division IS His way

Matt. 10:34-36 [New KJV]

• 34- "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

• 35- For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;

• 36- and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.’

• 37- He who loves Father or Mother MORE THAN ME is not worthy of Me.

For anyone that hasn't experienced the reality of this Biblical text, and felt the vitriol of fury from family turning on them like a rabid animal, or being shunned as an outcast, simply for taking a Biblical stand against the BLATANT paganism woven into the stronghold of C'mas and Easter, has never tasted the bitter herbs of picking up their cross to follow The King! But yet, alternatively, share the Appointed Feasts given by the Heavenly Father for His people- then promptly brace yourself and have a Teflon heart. The wisdom of the above verses will then shine like the noon-day sun, and take on life as never before.

Believers seeking to live a set-apart life should be in direct relationship with Truth, and voluntarily submit to it; there's no competition with anyone- rejection is not competition. The biggest challenge for most believers is finding the courage to go against the grain of pagan-inspired, man-made traditions and culturally accepted norms. Most certainly, Yeshua will sort out who the "brethren" (family) are. Until then, we're to stay single-minded and expect the world to view us as a peculiar oddity, if truly walking set apart as we're told to do.

Knowing Truth but being cowardly and not living it out, refusing to take a stand, is a dire choice that bears monumental, irreversible repercussions. We would be wise to feed the way of righteousness by honoring all the Word of YHVH; to bear the cross of "being different," and starve out the internal corruption of systemic earthly programming that leads to becoming spiritually barren and ultimately rejected as family of the Most High.

Leave a comment to let me know you were here. I love SO much to hear your perspective too!