I am sure you believe that most Christians are doing what the Holy Spirit is leading them to do. I would disagree.
There are way too many Christians in America, that are living lives which are totally indistinguishable from the world around them.
Next time you go to church, ask your fellow brother and sister what they have been doing all week. Or just stand near some brothers and sisters talking about their week, or what they plan on doing. No need to eavesdrop, they will be loud enough to hear.
I promise you will get many of the same responses you would get if you asked a bunch of good old boys shooting pool at the local bar.
I understand we are not all cookie cutter Christians, and yes some have extenuating circumstances they have no control over or need to stay near home to help loved ones, but your excuse rings hallow my friend. Those you mention are the exceptions to the rule, they are not the rule.
Exactly I recall someone on TV stating that Christians here in the US are SPOIL. Yes he said SPOIL. Not all Christians, of course. He stated because their brother and sister in Christ around the world like China and the Middle East are being PHYSICALLY PERSECUTED we do not have there here ...YET. Christians here are living in a comfort zone. However, like he said how long will that comfort zone last?
The Falling Away of the Church has happened or is happening...that’s a fact. However, you are preaching to the choir here. And condemnation never moves people to action.
Yes, sacrifice is good but the Bible says in Vs 22 ‘to obey is better than sacrifice.” I Samuel 15 22-23 And in Vs 23 the prophet explains how arrogance caused Saul to commit idolatry (self in front of God). In the first part of Chapter 15 God told Saul what to do and what he did may have appeared good to him, but it was disobedience to God.
Saul decided in his heart to sacrifice the sheep he left alive to God...that is not what God wanted or told him to do. God wanted total obedience.
Many Christians want to do for God what they think is best and have others do the same thing, when in fact it is NOT what God asked for in the first place. That is why we are in this mess already.
So my answer to you is “Why would I ask my fellow brother and sister what they have been doing all week? It’s none of my business, because I am not their God. They have been told by God what to do, and it may not be what you or I were told to do....so our criticizing them may be criticizing God’s will for their life.
I Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you....
In conclusion, Jesus ate with sinners, prostitutes, and murderous theives...so judging what some other Christian does is not what God wants me to do. That person may be where they are in order to help lead someone to Christ.
I know where I have found those who would listen and accept Christ...and it wasn’t in the Church building. I have a lot of souls to my credit, how many have you led to Christ?
My excuse is not lame, my actions have had results....so take you self-rightousness and learn what God really wants, and I will let God judge between you and me.