More and more people are disappointed with the progress of Christianity and the churches today most being integrated into the worldly system. Thus, we find ourselves unable to be part of a church that is truly the Body of Christ.

Saddened by this situation, many would leave, but are not convinced that they can find an uncompromising church/assembly. The more courageous ones retire and choose to live the Christian life on their own.

Thus, we can encounter two attitudes:

• the first one, being the acceptance of compromise, an attitude that does not consider the Scripture’s exhortations, which tells us with whom not to unite. (People will be self-lovers… holding a form of godliness, but denying its true power. Turn away from these people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5) Read Ezra 4:1-5!
• and the second one, that of retreat and loneliness, without seeking to be part of the Body of Christ, an attitude that thwarts God’s plan for their spiritual growth. (God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired; God has formed the body; you are the body of Christ, and individually each one his members. 1 Corinthians 12:18, 24, 27)

Both attitudes are very dangerous, as they are in fact a rejection of Christ’s work in growing/building the limbs of the Church/ His Body. (As Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the Word, so that He might present the Church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that it might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25; In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:21).

For many of us, the Church we belong to no longer has its God-given purpose. Many people see the Church as just a place where we can find some peace of mind that is otherwise lost during the week, due to a crowded lifestyle.

We have been taught to believe that what is generically called the Church is a place where people with common religious preoccupations gather. It is a place where they sing, pray, listen to a sermon, and socialize a little after the program, after which everyone goes back to their personal matters and interests.

A very small number of members have the job of carrying out this program. The vast majority of members are in the position of being spectators to these religious programs, their job consisting of being present/sitting on the bench and participating with a certain amount of money for the needs of the congregation.

Thus, in these gatherings, the ordinary member is just a simple consumer, nothing is expected of him, the participation/presence in the congregation being his only task.

Reality shows us that quite a few members do not even come to these religious programs anymore, the buildings being rather empty for certain worship services. In many cases, its members only know each other by sight.

Perhaps until today you did not have, like many others, any involvement in the Church that you are a member of, and you were not aware that each member is put by God in the body for the use of other members. (And to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the benefit of others. 1 Corinthians 12:7)

It might seem normal to you that only a small group of brothers are involved in the Church. Perhaps you find it natural that many who do not attend the meetings for months or even years, still remain on the list as members.

Today more than ever, in order not to be deceived, it is necessary that we carefully examine what the Word of God tells us about our place in the Church of Christ.