Self-Help Christianity (part 1)

Tools of the trade. Every company has 'em. That's how they earn their money. Well, the church is no different. We have our "tools" too. Oh, surely, we wouldn't refer to them as such, for then we'd be accountable for what we've done to the them. But consider this: how do we promote God's truth in his Word? We call them principles; how do we present the gospel? We call them Steps to Salvation. We have taken the power out of the gospel and the life out of God's word by processing the truth into humanized, organized programs and formulas. We use all that God has given us, to our glory and gain. Oh, sure, we say "it's all to the glory of God," but in the end, it's all a cover for the pride in our hearts that drives us to produce success and see progress. We've taken from what God has given us and turned it into something we can control, handle, manage and manipulate. We've turned God's work into our tools. That leaves us and our efforts empty, devoid of power and value. Our man-made church is worthless. We must know God and be known by him, not know about him and his power.