Christian Horror Show
September 23rd, 2009When you think of horror flicks, “Christian” isn’t the first word that pops into your mind. Nevertheless, some Christians act like they’re playing the starring role in Hollywood’s latest spook-ridden thriller. Ghosts, zombies and vampires can be spotted in many church buildings on Sunday mornings. Let’s examine these specters and see how we can ensure we don’t turn into one of them.
First, some Christians act like ghosts. You hardly ever see them–just glimpses from time to time–but they pop up every once in a while and moan. You won’t spot them when activities and ministries are planned or when it is time to work. You might not even see them at the worship assemblies. Nevertheless, after everything is said and done, they moan about how things went. Romans 12:4-8 tells us that each of us has been given different gifts: talents and abilities we can use in God’s Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 describes the church as a body composed of many parts. Each of those parts contributes and helps the body perform its tasks. If we have information and skills that will be helpful, we need to do our part and show up during the planning and work meetings, not just pop up later to moan.
Second, some Christians act like zombies (i.e., the living dead). You see them all the time, but they never say or do anything. While they are almost always present at assemblies, they never really do anything. They treat Christianity as a passive lifestyle; they are mere observers. They come, they listen, perhaps they sing, but that is the extent of their Christian life. Contrast this with the Christians in the Book of Acts. There, we see early Christians actively engaged in serving God (Acts 2:41-47, 6:1, 17:11). Romans 12:1-3 encourages us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices. If we are to do this, our sacrifice to God must be daily and active.
Third, some Christians are like vampires. They suck the life out of the church with constant complaints and bitterness. They seem to thrive and feed upon complaining and gossip and they love to pull others into their way of life. Once bitten by a vampire Christian, many find it hard to engage in conversation other than complaining and gossiping. In 1 Corinthians 10:9-11, we are told one of the lessons we are to learn from the Israelites is not to grumble. The Israelites’ grumbling made Moses miserable. In Numbers 11:11-15, he cried out to God because the burden of the people felt too great for him. Although it does not excuse what he did, frustration with the people and their complaints contributed to his disobeying God and consequently not entering into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:1-12). If we want to be useful in the church, we must do all things without grumbling or disputing (cf. Philippians 2:14).
In the horror flicks, people run and flee from ghosts, zombies and vampires. These are creatures of the night, not really alive, not enjoying the benefits of a fully-lived life. In our Christian walk, we want to be full of vigor, pursing the building up of the church, not tearing it down. God demands nothing less. Maybe it’s time to take a look at yourself. Are you ready for Hollywood or Heaven?
