Outside Our Window

Outside Our Window

John 4:35
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest".

Here’s an interesting fact about American church history that you may not have known. Years ago, when the first New England churches were designed, they were built with clear windows rather than the stained glass ones we see so often today. The graveyard was generally built in the churchyard, which could be seen clearly from the pulpit by the minister by simply looking out the window.

Why do you think that was?

Interestingly enough; it was so that the pastor could see the graveyard while he preached his sermon and be reminded of the urgency of his message. It was equally important to be able to see out so he would be reminded that everyone who sat in the pews before him as he spoke, would eventually fill a place in that cemetery outside the window and ultimately have to stand before God to be judged.

Can you imagine the weight of that?

Back during those times, the first and foremost priority of the church was to bring men and women into a right relationship with the Lord. That was the goal; that was the plan. Not to meet quotas, or bring in a certain amount of money in tithes. Not to entertain or wow with theatrics but to simply see people begin and then build on a relationship with God the Father.

What has happened to us that we have started building churches with windows that you can’t see out of or see in to?

What happened to us that we began to lock the doors of the church building at a certain time - locked doors that prevents people that are desperately seeking God at 1 o'clock in the morning from being able to find that solace that being in the church brings?

What has happened to us that we are more concerned with what other people are wearing on the outside than the state of their mortal souls they have on the inside?

We have changed. As a church, as a people, as a society. Sadly; not for the better. There is still a harvest outside of our windows.
 
The only question remains is:
What do you plan to do about it?