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Several factors have led to a trend in recent years concerning television viewing. One of those factors is the availability of digital recording. With digital video recording (DVR), viewers can record and store multiple programs for later playback. They can then recall the program on demand. That is simply to say that they can watch it when they want it, no sooner, and no later. Some of the same programs can also be watched on devices other than televisions, such as cell phones, tablets and laptop computers. The common denominator of all of these things is the idea of “on demand.”
As is the case with so many trends, this concept of on demand seems to have crept into the spiritual thinking of many. It even appears to be a motivating factor within the church. For example, some people used to recognize that their lifestyle was incompatible with the gospel of Christ. They would either never become Christians, or they would walk away, choosing to follow sin rather than try to remain among those attempting to follow God. Now, it appears that some are willing to defy the precepts of Scripture and demand that the church allow that defiance.
It appears that others, following procedures that interpret the Bible more loosely in regard to worship and those who lead in worship, demand that the church follow suit. This change in interpretation closely follows a general lack of respect for authority and more specifically, biblical authority. As a result, we see congregations either announce new directions (thus forcing some to leave because of desire to remain faithful to God) or to announce contemporary services (in addition to traditional services) to appease those who demand change (thus dividing the body in that place).
Finally, it seems that there is a desire within the church to do whatever it takes to retrieve those who have fallen away. By this I do not refer to efforts to bring them to repentance, but rather to compromise that would allow them to return without repentance. It may take the form of apologizing on behalf of past generations of leaders for sinful attitudes. Individual leaders are responsible for their behavior and will stand accountable to God for it (Hebrews 13:17). If someone decides they are no longer going to follow the Lord, even because of the sin of someone else, they are still guilty of sin before God (Ezekiel 18:20). It may also take the form of agreeing to a series of demands on the part of the ones who want to return. Such demands contradict the spirit of godly remorse and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10; James 5:19,20).
Paul warned Timothy: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3 ESV). May we humble ourselves (James 4:10) so that we do not demand our own way in following the one who made us and who will judge us.
Lance Cordle
Calvert City Church of Christ
Calvert City, KY