Any time this principle of growth is compromised, degeneration, while not immediately apparent, inevitably follows in the long term. Here, I believe, is a glaring fallacy in the United Methodist Church. Much of the talk today about church growth strategies is simply too shallow to develop the necessary spiritual resources for dynamic reproduction. Attention seems to center on better sociological understanding, programs of outreach, training in management and the like. All of these are helpful, but the great theological and spiritual issues in sanctification are largely ignored.
Ecclesiastical rhetoric is confused with godliness.
We have all seen the old television commercial featuring a haggard little lady looking at a hamburger. I think her predicament might be somewhat analogous to die feeling persons looking for the substance of the Wesleyan revival in our churches experience today. But upon closer examination it often turns out that the hamburger is mostly bun. Doubtless there are many reasons, but the heart of the problem, I believe, is the pervasive tendency of the flesh to take the course of least resistance. Unless this human characteristic is persistently overcome through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, the deceitful nature of carnality, ever lurking in the shadows of disobedience, will stealthily arise to take control.