Welcome to the 21st century.
The times we are living in are unlike any other in history.
As times and people change, there are 3 issues the church must deal with.

Relevant â€" being biblically accurate but culturally sensitive

One of the biggest complaints Christians and non-Christians have about the church is its inability to relate to the most current generation. Not all traditions are made to be repeated. Sometimes we do things and forget why we do them.
People who are unchurched often wonder what God and the bible has to do with them in their day-to-day living. They hear sermons about heaven and hell, and they are taught about the characters of the bible. At the end of a typical service, they are still left wondering what it all means.

The church of the 21st century must find ways to honor the past but not neglect the future. We must not run away from the culture of today, but instead, embrace it. I’m not saying to water down the Gospel, but make it plain to someone who may never step a foot inside a church building.

Compassion â€" loving the unlovable

The world we live in a very self-centered and mean. People spend most of their time trying to get ahead of the next person. Those that stumble (for whatever reason) are often times stepped on by others. The church has a responsibility to love and care for everyone. This not only means the popular and the famous. This also means the dirty and the outcasts of society.

One of the greatest demonstrations of a loving God is when his children extend a hand to those who have been rejected by the masses. Some people have been caste aside by their families, friends, co-workers, and even churches. Often these individuals have been the source of their own pain. How easy it is for us to render judgment on them and push them away from our holy circles.

We must learn to love each other and learn to love those who have hurt us and other people. God chose to love us even when we were rejecting Him.

Integrity â€" doing what’s right at any cost

It is imperative in this current generation, the church and its leaders operate at high level of integrity and honesty. We must be living examples of what we preach and teach about. We should strive to keep ourselves pure in God’s sight as well as man (2 Cor. 8:21). We live in a society that is not very nice to Christians. We are made to be the butt of a lot of jokes. Our preachers are ridiculed, our teachings are taken lightly, and our God is put in the back seat. Most of this is due to the hypocritical stance a lot of our leaders have taken.

It’s easy for some to stand on a Sunday morning and criticize people for their sins; all the while they are committing their own hidden sins. They hide behind their positions and podiums, keeping you away from seeing their mess by having you focus on yours.

Now is the time for the church to be filled with the truth and compassion that Jesus has provided. It is time for us to talk, walk, live and breathe integrity. Not just when it’s convenient, but also when it’s not the popular thing to do. No more trying to save face or position at the expense of telling the truth.

If the body of Christ is willing to deal with these issues, the world will be a better place.

Let’s take the lead.

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