“One generation shall commend your works to another, and they shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4
Randy and I recently returned from a Rhine river cruise which was our retirement gift to each other. My sisters and husbands accompanied us, and we celebrated our Mom as well. As we toured these countries, I was in awe of all the churches, cathedrals, and castles dating back to 1000 AD.
The French and Germans celebrated the holiday of Ascension while we were there which comes 40 days after the resurrection of Christ. Shops, banks, and businesses were closed to celebrate. Although it is a religious holiday, I saw no evidence of worship or celebrations other than giving people a three day weekend. What’s missing?
The beautiful churches are empty except for tourists, the crosses on top have been replaced or overshadowed by golden roosters (which remind people to get up earlier on Sunday to attend church), and the mood of the people is leaning toward the secular. What’s missing?
Almost all the people there with whom we had conversations say they are Christian with Catholics being the majority. Do they attend church? Not regularly, just for special days, is the answer. They hold Sundays for family, outings, and social events. They dress in their finest, have brunch, but don’t worship. What’s missing?
It occurred to me that although I was quick to judge them, we are not always so different. We attend worship when it is convenient, volunteer when it suits us, and give when we can. We have many beautiful churches that are becoming less crowded as the years go by. As someone said, “There is a lot of “blue” hair there. Yes, there is, but these are the people who sacrificed and built these churches for the faith and Lord in which they believed. They are still the faithful ones. Everyone can learn from them. What’s missing?
I pray that the next generation will realize that they are “what’s missing”, and work with the older generation to extend Christianity and build a bigger and better kingdom. One group does not need to exclude the other to make God’s kingdom on earth a stronger, better and more unified one.
What’s missing is a unified church which exists for one purpose – to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford
We went on a Danube Cruise in April & saw the same thing in churches in Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria. One of our tour guides said not many people attend church…her concern is “Who is going to pay for these beautiful cathedrals?” No concern for the souls of the people!