The Watchman's Diary

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings

Hosea 6:6

It is difficult to look at what is happening in the world and not feel a sense hopelessness. If we were to keep track of the range of emotions we feel throughout the day, the results would likely equal the stages of grief. Our situational awareness extends far beyond our communities, thanks to advances in technology. We can now see in real time, the various events happening across the globe. One thing that is more evident than ever is how cold our love has grown. We are sacrificing mercy on the altar of self.

We can see in almost every corner of society, the glorification of three very distinct traits. That is, lust of the flesh (our intimate desires), lust of the eyes (material greed), and the pride of life (idolizing our accomplishments). The Apostle John warns that these are worldly desires and “not of the Father” (1 John 2:16). Yet, these are elevated even, and especially in the church. The so-called shepherd proudly wears expensive garments made from the wool of their sheep, while the sheep is left vulnerable. Many who stand behind our pulpits are both the shepherd and the predator. They are not of God!

Like the predators, they purposefully divide the church by trafficking in politics, bigotry, greed, and other societal ills that plague society. Instead of being a please where the broken go to heal, many churches have become snares for the vulnerable among us. Instead of teaching, pastors give lofty speeches to fill seats and collect more offerings. Instead of feeding their flocks, they send them out to prey on the vulnerable. Instead of preaching the Gospel of Christ, they teach the politics of man. The Antichrist spirit is running loose in our congregations and God will soon rein it in.

Many so-called leaders in today’s church ignore and prioritize sin, as if God is blind to one and not the other. They sacrifice mercy for the imitation of righteousness. They glorify hate, pride, and arrogance thinking that God will reward them for their stance against other sinful behavior. Have you not read that “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” and that “Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth [God] hates” (Proverbs 8:13)? Sure, you can find scripture to twist and mistakenly justify your view, but are we ensuring our hearts intentions align with God’s. We can fool man, but as the Apostle Paul warns, “if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).