The Real Church
Let Them See God

How would the saints of the Bible be perceived in today’s world? Would Noah be dismissed as a lunatic, wasting his life on a nonsensical project? Would Abraham and his family be mocked as aimless wanderers? Picture Ezekiel—lying on his side for over a year—written off as eccentric or lazy, someone urged to "get a real job." John the Baptist might be seen as a deranged homeless man we’d avoid at the bus stop. And the disciples, mostly uneducated fishermen, could be regarded no more highly than day laborers waiting outside a hardware store for work. Even Jesus Himself might be misunderstood as a wandering cult leader, likened to infamous modern figures like Jim Jones. Perhaps that’s exactly how they were perceived in their own time.

Would these extraordinary lives of divine calling fare any better under today’s societal scrutiny? Likely not.

The truth is, many of us would struggle to admire such lives. The saints of old—uneducated, suffering, and self-denying—would hold little appeal in today’s world. And yet, Christianity has evolved. The modern Christian is often educated, comfortable, and even prosperous. We’ve traded the image of the wandering vagabond for that of a polished theologian or suburban professional. Churches now cater to convenience with contemporary music, coffee bars, and ministries steeped in pop psychology. In our efforts to make God more appealing, we risk obscuring the simple, unvarnished truth of who He is.

Some might argue this shift reflects changing times, and there’s some truth to that. But largely, it stems from an aversion to discomfort and suffering. Many ministers prioritize making faith palatable over challenging believers to embrace the hardships that come with truly following Christ. At the same time, the world rejects the idea of self-denial altogether, favoring pleasure over purpose.

Consider this: If you were venturing into a harsh jungle and had to choose a guide, would you pick the man with a million-dollar motorhome stocked with gourmet food and WiFi or the one with just a knife and basic supplies? For a short trip, most would choose the comfort of the motorhome. But if you had to survive there for life, the seasoned survivor with only a backpack might be your only hope.

This analogy mirrors our spiritual lives. If Christians cling to worldly comforts, how can we demonstrate that Christ alone is sufficient? God’s power shines through the humble, the weak, and the contrite—not in those who conform to worldly ideals but in those who deny them. Only when we live with a kingdom-focused mindset can God fully work through us.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:27-31: "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things... so that no one may boast before Him."

In 2 Timothy 4:3, we are warned of a time when people will reject truth and seek teachings that suit their desires. When doctrine is shaped by personal preferences, it distorts our understanding of God, leading people away from Him. We must resist the temptation to dilute God’s message to make it more appealing. Such efforts only obscure His truth and play into Satan’s hands.

It’s not wrong to be educated, wealthy, or successful if these blessings come through pursuing God’s will. But they must never overshadow our true purpose: glorifying Him. We don’t need to dress up God to appeal to the world. We simply need to present Him as He is and trust people to decide for themselves if He is worthy.

By living authentically and glorifying Him in all circumstances, we amplify His voice above the noise of human desires. Only then will people truly taste and see that the Lord is good.