Sewage in the Church

God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. —1 Thessalonians 4:7

If plumbing or septic problems caused raw sewage to overflow into the hallways and aisles of your church, one thing is for sure: the problem wouldn’t be ignored. Services would be relocated and crews would work overtime if necessary, until the problem was resolved.

Something far more serious than raw sewage is running through the lives of countless professing Christians and most of our evangelical churches. And by and large, we are oblivious to the threat. The floodgates of unholiness have opened within the church: adultery, drunkenness, abuse, profanity, outbursts of temper, divorce, pornography— such sins among professing believers are no longer rare exceptions.

Then there are the more “respectable” forms of sewage often overlooked and tolerated among believers—things like overspending, unpaid debts, gluttony, gossip, greed, covetousness, bitterness, pride, critical spirits, backbiting, self-centeredness, and broken relationships. Sadly, the church—the place that is intended to showcase the glory and holiness of God—has become a safe place to sin.

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Holiness: The Heart God Purifies
©2004, 2005 Revived Hearts Foundation

Scripture taken from The CSB