Hype

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Sometimes you can hear it coming ten miles away. In the best sense of the word, it is just publicity. In the worst, it is explicit lying. Most hype falls somewhere in between.

We see it across the spectrum of America’s daily operation. From the “just set it and forget it” of Ron Popeil, to the RNC-DNC as they propel their candidate toward the focus point of November’s elections. I suppose by now those of us who have been around for a while, ought to be oblivious to the hyperbole. Seemingly, however, there is no end to the lengths some will go to get their “product” to “market.”

I can live with that. What I struggle with is the perception that the Church, or what purports to be the Church, seems committed to following in those footsteps as surely as mud follows rain.

Aren’t we supposed to be different? Isn’t our standard Heavenly? I don’t mean that we are not supposed to, or cannot, promote the differences among our Worship styles and musical offerings, but when the hype becomes hyperbole, have we not fallen into the snare of the enemy? Paul told the early Church, “Don’t be unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing; and I will receive you. . .” (2Corinthians 6:14-17)

Maybe I need to translate that passage more narrowly. Don’t make a compact with the devil? Don’t let unbelievers serve the Church as Pastors and Elders? Don’t use the multi-media for Worship on Sunday and as a pornographic theatre Monday thru Friday? Right?

Somehow, I’m not convinced that when our “marketing strategy” illegitimatizes other Churches (understand my use of the word Church), or promotes anything other than our Lord and Savior (like the pastor, or music leader, for example), or hypes the programs and operations (look what we offer that you don’t), that we haven’t succumbed to failure in our God-called separation.