Step Out, Reach Out, Stand Out

As I cycled to chapel one dark evening last month, a shape glided above me and landed in a tree. It was evidently an owl, but I was not content with the assessment, and wished to see him. I stopped, shone my light onto his branch, and saw a large tawny peering back. He was perfectly camouflaged and would never have been spotted but for his swooping past my head. He must have deemed my observation discourteous, for he promptly flew off, and I resumed my journey.

Had he not moved, he would not have been seen. I suspect this is true of the church of Christ and her spiritual enemy, the prince from whose jurisdiction she has removed. Those congregations which tick along, dawdle about and generally do nothing but exist are left alone. Those which step out, reach out and stand out, are noticed, noted and opposed.