Gather and Rejoice

There is a carnal part of us that does not want to be joined to the body of Christ. In these last days, the Bible is clear that there will be a large group of “separatists” within the church.

These are people who become religious in trying not to be religious. It’s sad the very people who have this problem usually refuse to admit their carnal nature – not their long list of excuses – keeps them separated from the church.

The half-brother of Jesus, Jude, spoke of these folks in his incredible book. 

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who will divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. – Jude 18-19

The King James says, “they who separate themselves.” I see it a lot. The spirit of this generation has become greater than the Spirit of the Lord in these mavericks. They are not kingdom-minded people looking to help, bless, and save others from hell.

I knew a woman who always had an excuse for not coming to church – any church, not just mine. The music was too loud, the people weren’t friendly, her schedule didn’t fit, she already knew everything the preacher was talking about, so she just didn’t get anything out of it. She reasoned praying and listening to Christian music in the car was a better fit for her.

“God knows me and works with me how I am,” she said. Wow! The Lord was her personal Genie in a bottle whom she believed came running at her beck and call, existing to make her comfortable.

Separatists are wrapped up in themselves and their own little world. That mindset demands all of their attention. They may see a need, but they point people to the church for help or say, “I’ll pray for you,” as they speed away to their next nail appointment or to workout at the gym.

But that’s not you! You are after the Kingdom!