by Malik Selby

Created on: January 21, 2010   Last Updated: January 22, 2010

   In a time when churches are coming under much scrutiny because of scandals, people are real quick to judge all churches for the actions of a few. But open scandals are not the only thing going on in many churches that places them in a bad light.

Growing up in the church, I saw many things that I didn't quite understand, and after leaving the church for a time and going back as an adult, I saw the same problems, and these things didn't line up with the word of God. This problem that I saw on numerous occasions in different churches was spiritual abuse by leadership and prominent members of the congregation.

Not all churches are in line with the will of God. Just because they sing hymns, pray, and preach doesn't mean that they are following the will of God. Satan was the angel in charge of praise and worship of God before he was cast out of heaven, and he knows the bible better than any preacher. I'm not saying that every church that has questionable things going on behind closed doors is ungodly, what I am saying is that if you do not have a relationship with God, there will be no benefits for your spiritual walk inside or outside the church.

The true church is not found in any building. The devil can infiltrate a building and even some of the people in them. " For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
 

If you make a decision not to go to a church, make sure that your decision is a result of you seeking God and not just because of your own personal reasons. Sometimes God has us on paths that seem so rough that we want to take other routes, but if we don't learn to trust God we will not know His will for us.

If you have a problem with church as a whole, but long to serve the Lord, then ask God to lead you to the church where you should be. There is no perfect church, but the will of God concerning you is perfect, so if you are not in a church for whatever reason, make sure that you are seeking God for guidance. The bottom line is this, there are no benefits in or outside a church for your spiritual growth, your benefits rest in the will of God. If God resides in your heart, you carry church with you.

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