“We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst.” (C. S. Lewis - Abolition of Man)
As a preface to this article, I must confess that I hold pastors in very high esteem. I would concur with Phillips Brooks when he wrote: “If any man is called to preach, don’t stoop to be a king.”
Furthermore, I acknowledge that the reference to “men without chests” could apply to a large swath of Christians who sit by, idly watching their nation careen into an abyss. Many of us are like those parishioners who merely sang louder in an effort to drown out the screaming of Jews as they passed by, packed liked cattle in to train cars headed for Auschwitz.
We don’t want to appear “unwoke” or trigger someone’s delicate psyche. I address this to pastors serving in pulpits because now, more than ever, we need men of courage to stand in the breach, tending the flock, leading the way, and making it crystal clear that our lives belong to Jesus Christ, we are not our own. Yes, we have been bought with a price only the King of Glory could pay.
Pastors are often referred to as shepherds. Historically, these were men charged with protecting flocks. These men were tough and filled-to-the-brim with courage. If required, they laid down their lives for the flock and guarded them patiently and passionately. Many a ravenous wolf or thief would threaten the flock, only to be met with a thunderous blow, meted out by the shepherd, via a staff, rock or any object that could be employed to thwart the enemies’ efforts.
It was men in pulpits who exhorted Christians to ready themselves for battle and to defend America’s liberty. At the time of the American Revolution, these shepherds placed themselves in harm’s way, positioned on the frontlines of battle. Their armament was often a musket in one hand and a Bible in the other.
Today, we need shepherds in our churches to assume their rightful roles to protect their flocks. We don’t need men in pulpits who cower in fear of losing tax exemptions or falling out of favor with so-called elites who scoff at the Christian-message and stand ready to destroy the livelihood of anyone with the courage to speak against their ideology.
We are at a point in our history when we need a virtuous church, unafraid of the headwinds that it will undoubtedly face. Yes, many may have to confront earthly powers possessing authority to cast them in prison. Irrespective of the cost, it is a dying spirituality, not climate change, that poses the real existential threat. The time for passivity is long past.
We must find men filled with boldness, not cowardice. If our pastors are unwilling to slay the ravening wolves at our church doors, why call them? I am reminded of Patrick Henry’s proclamation, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
If our churches go the way of many great cathedrals in Europe, our demise will have as its predicate ecclesiastical complacency and cowardice.
Are our pastors willing to even address clear biblical teaching? Many are fearful of presenting patently clear passages such as:
“Stop sinning!” (John 5:14)
“Flee fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, KJV)
“God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)
“If you owe taxes, pay taxes.” (Romans 13:7)
“Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9b-10)
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.” (Galatians 5:24, Amplified)
“I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
“[A]ll liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” (Revelation 21:8)
“Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:26b-27)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery . . ..” (Ephesians 5:18)
“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth. . ..” (Ephesians 4:29, Amplified)
These are merely a few of the apparently verboten passages seldom, if ever, addressed in today’s pulpits. Many pastors are contented to merely robotically present liturgical pericopes that coincide with the liturgical calendar, totally ignoring the poison creeping into our churches.
Tragically, we have made men without chests, placed them in our pulpits, and expect from parishioners virtue and enterprise. For too long, we have laughed at honor and are shocked to find the spiritual edifice of our churches crumbling and to encounter traitors in our pulpits, our pews, our seminaries, our schools, etc.
The following is often attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville. However, it appears to be a misattribution. The quote likely originated from two English ministers, Andrew Reed and James Matheson. (These ministers were touring the country about the same time Alexis de Tocqueville’s was in the United States.): “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
I adjure you, America. Awaken from your slumber. Seek men who possess courage, virtue and honor who are unwilling to compromise in preaching God’s truth to fill your pulpits!
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