Newsletter Vol.2, #18—May 14, 2006

Matthew 8 ¹⁷This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." ¹⁸Now when Jesus saw a great crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.

Big SUVs, Big Houses, and Big Churches

Within the past few years, suvs and trucks have surpassed cars as the biggest sellers in these United States. As an avid follower of the automobile industry, particularly in the design aspect, it has become evident that this trend has something to do with our aging society [taller vehicles, such as suvs and trucks, are easier to get into than low-slung sports cars], but some of it is simply a matter of the "bigger-is-better" attitude we have in this country. Up until gasoline hit $3 a gallon, it seemed the suvs were only getting bigger and bigger, with one company introducing a five-ton example that stretched the bounds of credulity.

A recent article on msn highlighted this bigger-is-better attitude with recent housing trends and the efforts by some to slow it because they saw it as a ridiculous exercise in "I-can-build-it-bigger-than-you" one-upmanship by those who have the money and do it just because they can. Cities and towns such as Dallas and Aspen, co, have recently addressed oversized housing construction that demonstrated the inflated bank accounts [and, apparently, egos] of individuals who have built 10,000+ square foot houses in neighborhoods where the average is about a quarter that size. Aspen recently had an individual build a 55,000 square-foot house! [For perspective, many Wal-Marts are about 80,000 square feet.]

Consider that the average new home in 1950 was bout 800 square feet and cost about $7300; now, the average new house is about 2200 square feet and costs over $200,000.  Even with that increase, I find it difficult to believe that anyone needs a house that is more than 20 times the size of the average new home today, so there is obviously something else that comes into play. I also find it difficult to believe that so many people need a 2½-ton vehicle, capable of going off-road and seating seven or eight people, and which gets about 15 miles per gallon, when more than 90% of those off-road vehicles' owners never get off the road, drive to work alone, and who then constantly complain about gas prices.

Right along with this trend of bigger-is-better in automobiles and houses is an attitude of bigger-is-better for churches. Recently, a Phoenix-area church [which already boasts a membership of over 4000] raised more than $20 million in pledges in two days for the construction of more building facilities to expand their university-sized campus. This "church" already boasts a separate building for their "teen ministry" which has its own coffee bar and restaurant and stage with auditorium seating for "concerts" and informal "jam sessions" on Sunday evenings. This is a church that is advertising next Sunday's Easter services as having "Over 30 of Arizona’s largest inflatables for all ages… Activities and Crafts… Face Painting… Food and Snacks… Egg hunts every 20 minutes, climbing wall and bungee trampoline, six petting zoos and lot's more." This church also has its own skate park, snack bar, and arcade for the high school age kids.

Another church, this one right here in my hometown of Surprise, tells us they will be "celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with a sunrise service, tons of games, bouncies for kids, food, music and an encouraging message." This is a church which has its own Starbucks coffee shop and Seattle's Best drive-through window. [two name brands of coffee!] They tell us that this church "stays relevant to its surrounding community by re-defining the church experience with non-traditional elements, like rock music, humor, and x-box stations." Missing in the advertising of either of these churches is any mention of sin or “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” (Acts 24:25). They do make sure and tell us they are some of the fastest-growing churches in the country though.

Big! Big! Big! Everyone wants big! From our houses to our automobiles to our churches, it seems bigger is better and small means not-so-good. Why is this? And what has this got to do with our faith? It may not have anything to do with your faith, but it says a lot about the "faith" of many in this country, and it says a lot about the view of God, service to Him, and their worship.

First of all, the "bigness" of society is nothing more than a materialistic grab for “things” in the futile hope that it will bring comfort, security, and peace of mind. For some, it is nothing more than an egotistical venture into attracting attention to self by whatever means necessary. It is not enough to drive a hummer; you have to get the 24-inch chromed "spinner" wheels and 1000-watt stereo system to really stand out. Sadly, these people know nothing of eternity and think nothing about the temporary nature of the "things" they accumulate. "Here and now" is the only thing that matters, but one day they, too, will hear, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (Luke 12:20). Meanwhile, they comfort themselves in their possessions and say, “There is no God” (Psalm 53:1).

Let us never forget that the things of this world — even the best things and the things that have lifetime warranties — will do nothing for the saving of the soul but can, in fact, be a hindrance (Matt. 19:16-24). Even if you owned the whole world, it could not be exchanged for your eternal salvation (Matt.16:16). In the end, it will all be burned up (2 Peter 3:10) and none of it can be offered as a means of escaping death (Psalm 49:6-9). It is appointed for all men to die (Heb. 9:27) and no one is exempt. It is far wiser to lay up treasures in heaven, where nothing can corrupt and it does not fade away (Matt.6:  19-21; 1 Peter 1:4).

Second, this materialistic influence has crept into just about every aspect of religion. The churches I mentioned previously in this article are but a reflection of our materialistic society and the fact that most people are driven by the desires of the flesh, rather than being led by the spirit. We would expect that people of the world have their minds set on the worldly things, but those who claim Jesus as their Savior must do better than that! Paul reminds us that we are those “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Rom.8:1). From the advertising of many churches today, you have to look hard to know that they are supposed to be following Jesus; an honest look at their advertising demonstrates a pursuit of fleshly desires, not Christ. When anyone advertises donuts and coffee, rock music, and "encouraging messages" while simultaneously omitting any message of sin, the need for “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” and living “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12), it is evident that their minds are not truly set on “things above” but on “things on the earth” (Col.3:2).

Sadly, many who were formerly committed to following Christ and His word have looked at the [denomi]nations surrounding them and they, too, want to be like them, rather than striving to be like Christ. Many have adopted the world's advertising methods and appeal to the flesh, rather than the spirit — and have experienced numerical growth! But are we so focused on growing numerically that we care nothing for what God cares about — spiritual growth? Let us never forget that it is God's word that is the power to salvation to those who believe (Rom.1:16) and it is God's word that helps us to grow (2 Peter 2:2). Donuts and coffee, rock music, skate parks, egg hunts, bungee jumps, etc. may draw large crowds and cause churches to grow numerically, but those things will not lead one soul closer to heaven. Only Christ does that!

Look around. Look at the church where you attend. Look inside your heart. Do you want to be "big" in the sight of men, or God? If it is God you seek to please, there's only one way to be "big" (Matt.18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.).

— Steven Harper