I might step on some toes here. Thankfully, this is a problem I seem to hear less about as the big “C” Church moves away from American traditionalism and focuses more on relationship with God and others.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, heard about, or been a part of a conversation where someone is griping about the “lack of respect” given for some object or another.
Take the pulpit for example. Many churches are moving away from these giant, wooden monstrosities of the past and using simple stands or tables to hold the pastor’s notes and Bible. Some churches, GASP, don’t even have that much.
I remember one instance of hearing about a church who moved their Lord’s Supper table out of their auditorium entirely unless they were actively using it for Communion that day. There were arguments and hurt feelings over moving such a “holy symbol” out of sight and neglecting it in some dark closet.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Let me ask a few questions to those who might be struggling with this kind of idolatry. Yes, I said it, idolatry.
You see, these icons, symbols, and pieces of furniture are tools to remind us about Who God is and what He has done for us. They are mental devices to draw us towards holy living, but do not themselves produce nor possess holiness.
- The Pulpit: Rather than griping about the removal of the venerable old pulpit, and complaining that your church has “lost its way” by setting it aside, ask yourself if you have as much respect for the pastor/teacher who stands behind it. Do you listen to the teaching of God’s Word and submit yourself to the leading of your church’s shepherd?
- The Communion Table: Instead of being upset at some perceived lack of respect for this piece of furniture, rather ask yourself if you have as much respect for the Ordinance for which it was designed to facilitate. Do you come to the Lord’s Table in humility and awe, thankful and mindful of the sacrifice of the Lord Christ? Otherwise, it’s just a holder for flowers and offering plates.
- The Altar: Some churches don’t do the “altar call” anymore, and even more shocking is the fact that some don’t even have an altar down front. Rather than getting upset about it, ask yourself whether or not you yourself have the attitude of confession and prayer that the altar traditionally calls us to.
- Steeples: I really don’t understand, or like, steeples. Part of my distaste is about taste, and some of it comes from the fact that nearly every church I’ve ever been a part of with a steeple, the thing would leak during rain storms. I’ve heard people say that a church building without a steeple is not as effective at drawing people as is a building with one. What? How about the building itself become irrelevant in terms of reaching out to people because the members who associate themselves together in that building are busy being Jesus to their community?
- The Cross: The central symbol of our faith, and a symbol I love dearly but do not worship. I’ve heard the same argument as with the steeple, that church buildings should have crosses on the side, and the auditorium should have a cross in prominent display. That’s all fine, but what about taking up our cross daily and following the One Who gave His life upon it? Seems to me that’s way more important.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
Come on Church, let’s stop worshiping our icons and focus more on being the living embodiments of the ideals behind those icons.
