A Red Flag
by Annie Yorty ©2022
We’re living in a strange time. I never imagined a situation in which workers could persuade their employers to sanction full-time work from home. I must admit, it makes life more convenient. When the same attitude extends across other areas of life, though, I must throw out a red flag.
A red flag signals a warning of probable danger. Like a traffic signal of the same color, a red flag indicates we should stop, observe, and think before proceeding.
King Jeroboam’s Red Flag
King Solomon built an elaborate temple in Jerusalem dedicated to the worship of God. God ordained rules and festivals for the Jews so they would remain connected to Him and to one another. Among other things, He told His people to travel from wherever they lived to the temple at specific times to offer sacrifices.
King Jeroboam assumed power in an unusual way. I think it made him a bit insecure. He feared that the people in his territory would turn against him if they went to Jerusalem (which he did not control) for the festivals and sacrifices.
So on the advice of his counselors, the king made two gold calves. He said to the people, “It is too much trouble for you to worship in Jerusalem. Look, Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt!” He placed these calf idols in Bethel and in Dan—at either end of his kingdom. But this became a great sin, for the people worshiped the idols, traveling as far north as Dan to worship the one there. (1 Kings 12:28-30 NLT)
It is too much trouble for you to worship in Jerusalem. Uh-oh. First red flag.
He placed these calf idols in Bethel and in Dan. Double uh-oh. Second red flag.
Unfortunately, the people paid no heed to these warning signs from their king, and they followed him into rebellion.
I wonder if we have any red flags in the present day.
“It’s too dangerous for you to worship in church.”
“It’s such a hassle to get everyone out of the house on time.
“The church service is right there on your TV screen.”
“Did God really say you must be in the church? After all, it’s just a building.”
Well, as a matter of fact, God really did say it.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)
Sunday is the best day of my week. I look forward to being with my spiritual family worshiping our God and learning from His Word.
Even so, for a couple months after Covid began, “attending” church online in my pajamas almost lured me away from the fellowship I enjoyed most each week. Thankfully, I noticed the red flag running up the flagpole.
Did God really say you must be in the church? After all, it’s just a building. Well, as a matter of fact, God really did say it. Share on XIs a red flag waving in your face?
I confess I didn’t always view going to church so favorably. Back in those days, I suspect I would have easily slipped into rebellion just as the people under Jeroboam chose to worship calf idols near home because it was easier than traveling to Jerusalem.
Please understand, I’m not condoning a spirit of legalism about church attendance. Still, I wonder if a red flag flutters nearby. Each one must consult with God for answers.
Results of Neglect
Have you been drifting from God and His purpose for your life? Do you sense a disconnection from relationships? Has the importance of church dimmed?
Perhaps a red flag is waving right in your face.
Benefits of Fellowship
The verses just prior to God’s admonition show that regularly coming together motivates and strengthens us.
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:23-24 NLT)
God exponentially multiplies the Church’s influence when we fellowship together.
Is it too much trouble to go to church to worship God?
If so, heed the red flag. Stop. Observe. Think.
The Church needs you. And you need the Church.
Join the Conversation:
How has God used fellowship with your spiritual family to strengthen you?
I welcome your comments!
Be a Promise Keeper
18 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Oh my, yes, Ms. Annie. I too see church attendance these days as a red flag. During the height of the pandemic, and the fear induced, I erred on the side of caution to protect my family and we paused church attendance (partly because my wife was awaiting surgery and partly because we had been visiting new/unknown churches and people in search of a new church home). In any case, it did start to feel comfortable to sit at our desk with a cup of coffee or tea and attend virtual services. THAT was the problem. We becamce “comfortable” in our worship. And when something was being said that made us uncomfortable (i.e., convicted), we either tuned out, got up and walked away, or “serfed the net”. I agree wholeheartedly that we are made for fellowshiip with one another and that’s not something you can do fully by typing on a keyboard or smiling on a video screen. I see many Red Flags of warning across our nation these days, especially during another daunting “election season” we must endure. This one, church attendance, is an especially grevious one, as I believe many hearts are being deceived through it. God’s blessings ma’am.
Annie Yorty
Indeed, J.D., so many red flags today. But there’s nothing outside of the control of the Lord of Hosts. We are right in the middle of His plan. Let’s pray for one another to stand strong in these evil days.
Pat Rayl
Excellent post Annie. Churches folded under the pressure and many closed their doors. Praising God for the church we found that wouldn’t succomb to the fears that mounted daily. We are thriving. We need the Church.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Pat. I’m glad you were able to find a place that stood strong. I wonder if the Lord is distilling the churches (lower case c) to strengthen the potency of the Church (capital C). We shall see. Meanwhile, I pray for no one to be deceived into thinking they need not come together.
Nancy E. Head
Fellowship is crucial to our walk with Christ. We find encouragement in being with others–and we give encouragement to them. Thanks for this well put reminder to stay faithful to our worship communities. God bless!
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Nancy, for your observations. I think, too, that it’s easy to be “holy” as a lone ranger. Doing life with other imperfect people tends to be sanctifying, if not altogether comfortable.
Teresa Carter
Amen Annie! My favorite time of the week is coming “home” on Sundays and spending time with my Church family. Thank you for this “Red Flag” Warning.
Annie Yorty
Me too, Teresa, and you’re one of the reasons why. Thanks for visiting!
Katherine Pasour
Yes, Annie! “The church needs us and we need the church.” Like you, during Zoom Church, I liked the idea of not having to get dressed and go out. When we started back in person, I went, but I missed the online meetings. But now, it’s as if we didn’t have that break and I’m so glad to be back with my church family. You are right–God means for us to fellowship together. Not just in worship, but in service as well. October is our busy month of projects to raise funds for our mission fund. It’s hard work! But so rewarding to work together in service to our Lord.
Annie Yorty
Serving together is awesome, Katherine! Some of my best family relationships have developed through working for the Lord together. People who don’t know the Lord often marvel on the love that they see among God’s people. Jesus said people would recognize us by the love we show one another. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Candyce Carden
I know young families today who “do church at home” by listening to an online sermon and praise music while young children run around the house. THey are missing so much by not being in church. When my children was young, the couple of hours spent in Sunday School and church while they were in the nursery was my only quiet time with God all week.
In this season of having several options for quiet time, I miss something vital to my week when I don’t attend a church service. Covid Time changed a lot about the way we live, but this issue is the most troubling of all.
Annie Yorty
I love to see families come to church together. That place becomes the extended family for the children, adding a layer of security and love to their lives. And for those parents who bring their children into the service or into a children’s program, they are teaching them to listen to and respect God’s Word as the authority for their lives. You’ve made a great point.
Beth
Annie, you handled what can be a touchy topic so very well. I like how you pointed out the red flags from the text in 1 Kings then pointed to the red flags of today.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Beth. I appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for visiting!
Jennifer
I needed this. After being hurt by the church I have to often remember I go for Jesus and not for man. Add not feeling well on top and I can make a lot of excuses not to go. I find those red flags of subconsciously trying to protect myself. Thank you for this reminder.
Annie Yorty
You make an excellent point, Jen. We tend to shy away from a place where we’ve experienced pain. And there may occasionally be valid reasons to leave a particular fellowship, but we are not to abandon the practice altogether. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Yvonne Morgan
Amen Annie. It is so important for us to be in community together. We need healthy, whole churches. Thanks for sharing your wonderful message
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Yvonne, for visiting. Blessings!