Most would agree that sometimes churches make changes to reflect society. This can be a good thing or this can be a bad thing.
It can be good because as society changes churches might need to update and adapt their approach in order to reach people with the gospel message. Notice I said the approach should change, not the message. The message of Christ remains the same. Jesus came, died, was resurrected, lives again, loves us, lives in us, grants forgiveness, redemption and salvation. The gospel is still the good news it has always been. Jesus Christ is definitely the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). However, the way we bring the gospel message to others might need to be modified to reach a changing society.
Changes can be bad when churches lower their standards, ethics and morals to fit in with what is considered the norm in society. Today’s societal norm is to go with the flow and do what feels good. God wants us to evaluate situations and do what is right according to His Word. Remember – just because something is popular does not make it right. When churches lower their standards then they have nothing to offer society that is different from what it already has. Churches should be teaching the world that there is a better way – God’s way. If churches aren’t careful they can be in danger of a disease
called “frog in the pot syndrome,” which if left untreated, results in death. This analogy explains how it happens.
There once was a man who wanted to cook a live frog. He kept putting the frog in the hot water but the frog kept jumping out. Then he put the frog in tepid, comfortable water. He gradually turned up the heat so the frog didn’t notice any temperature changes. It was almost like being in a Jacuzzi. The man slowly turned the heat up some more – and then more. Eventually he had a cooked frog.
I hope the analogy is clear. One who continues to gradually lower standards, morals, and ethics will eventually become a cooked frog. That would make Satan very happy.
As Mark Twain used to say, “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” All in all I think that is pretty good advice for all of us – especially churches who should have a slightly higher standard than society.
