Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21, N.K.J.V., emphasis mine)

One day a man called a pastor to say he wanted to join the pastor’s church. However, the man was quick to point out that he didn’t want to attend services, study the Bible, pray, visit, evangelize, give, or serve in any way. He told the pastor, “I just want to be able to truthfully say that I’m a member of a church. That will help my reputation in my business, and it will also give me a good comeback when someone invites me to attend their church.”

The pastor replied, “I understand, but I really don’t believe that our church is the one for you. There’s a church across town that will suit your needs perfectly. Let me give you its address.” The pastor then gave the man the address, and the conversation was ended.

Eagerly the man jumped into his car and drove to the address. There at the site stood an abandoned church building that was boarded up and ready for demolition. As the man sat there in the car, he realized that he was staring at the logical outcome of his attitude toward church.

Most people are only interested in what they can get out church rather than what they can put into it. Everyone seems full of suggestions as to how church could be done better, but when it comes to actually putting in the necessary time, effort, and money to accomplish those things, the flock thins out in a hurry. And if you want to know what enough of that thinning out produces in the end, take a drive over to your local abandoned church building. That’s where you’ll find the result on full display.