The Used To’s
Religious surveys have revealed that there is a growing number of people in our society that are now being identified as “the nones.” The nones are people who profess no affiliation with any particular religious group, philosophy, doctrine, etc.
A significant amount of material has been written about the nones. They are the subject of numerous lectures, seminars, workshops, etc. Religious leaders have given much attention to trying to figure out why people profess no religious preference and how to reach them.
It may be of interest to know that, according to one article I read, there is one reason for a person identifying as a none that stands out above all other reasons. That reason is that he or she has been taught, and has bought into, the theory of evolution.
It also may be of interest that the same article informs the reader that about half (49%) of the nones were, in fact, brought up in some religious group. It is not the fact that these people never had any religious training. They had some sort of teaching, but have rejected it.
These people now comprise a group I’ve heard about for years – the used to’s.
From the time of my earliest memories until the present time, I have only lived in four communities. All four of these communities have at least one thing in common. I’ve heard either the exact words which follow or something very close to them in the churches of which I’ve been a member (and, in three cases, preached for):
If all of the people who used to worship here still worshiped here, the church building would not be big enough to hold all of us.
Maybe it was some unfortunate and tragic life event. Maybe it was mistreatment by another member. Maybe a preacher made them angry about something. Maybe they got too busy with a career. Maybe it was recreational pursuits. Maybe “…the pleasures of sin…” (Heb. 11:25) attracted and distracted them. Maybe, as our Lord said on one occasion, “…they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life…” (Luke 8:14, ESV).
The reasons are almost endless. The reality is that, where there was once an active Christian, there is now an empty pew.
I think it might be good to close these thoughts with the following passage and to make a doctrinal and practical application and challenge of it:
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20, KJV).
Doctrinally, this passage (among others) teaches that the concept of “once saved; always saved” is not taught in scripture. It is important to notice that the Holy Spirit inspired James to address “brethren” and to suggest that “one of you” could “err from the truth” and be seen as a “sinner” in need of conversion.
While I understand the importance of being doctrinally sound, I do not want to be sound asleep when it comes to making a practical application of a passage. It seems to me that, when I make such an application of this passage, I am also presented with a challenge.
Is it not true that the inspired words of James contain a challenge and an opportunity for those who are still faithful to the Lord? To put it in language that is in keeping with the thoughts I’ve presented here –
What are we doing about the used to’s?
I read something recently that really challenged me. I cannot remember exactly how the statement was worded, but the following statement expresses the sentiment, if not the exact words:
Leaving ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep doesn’t make much sense…unless I am that one lost sheep.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
