Anytime the world experiences the unfortunate consequences of sin or the effects of its fallen state, one of the first questions posed is, “Where is the Church?” :

As a Christian, it’s tempting to be flattered by this inquiry, as one could surmise it means the world actually cares for our input. But, considering the world is also quick to tell the Church to “shut up” whenever we do speak, I perceive “Where is the Church?” is meant to be more of a scoff than an invitation.

Fast forward to today, when the national and global discourse concerns not only racism, but “systemic racism”, “police brutality”, and so forth. With the ongoing protests, marches and civil unrest since the death of George Floyd, “Where is the Church?” has rang out yet again! But this query is not only coming from those in the world. Professing Christians are also posing this question, and they are indignant in their demand for a response.

To be fair, wherever the Church is falling short, it is necessary for us to hold one another accountable to ensure we remain on task with what God would have us do. But that’s just it: Oftentimes, “Where is the Church?” comes not because the Church is altogether missing or silent in the things of God, but because the Church isn’t in the places the world would have us go or speaking the words the world would have us speak. And, frankly, I’m afraid there is a growing trend among some in the Church to hold the Body of Christ to these lesser, earthly standards. Sadly, in an increasing number of cases, these standards are actually panning out to be unbiblical and atheistic. (Critical Race Theory, Marxism, and Black Liberation Theology have entered the chat.)

But if they truly want to know where they can find the Church in the midst of earthly affairs, I hope the foregoing is a sufficient response. I also offer this piece as an encouragement to those in the Body who choose to set our eyes on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2).