Page 4 - 4403 Magazine

When Adults Play Games

of Children

PA M S T O N E

MANY PEOPLE READING THIS grew up seconds of controversy that fueled their stantly remind them how wonderful
in what some would call an “old school offense. they are, they will blow-up with offense
Pentecostal church.” Most church To publicly express their outrage, and play childish games.
members focused on holy living and within hours, the pastor’s name will be One child’s game is hide and seek.
separation from the world. They were blasted across the internet. He or she Once offended, the childish church
able to hear tough, holiness preaching will be accused of fear mongering, hate, member will hide out and stop attend-
and receive an open rebuke, if needed. spreading negative or false informa- ing church, until you seek them out and
These days it’s a different story. tion, or some other accusation that is beg them to return.
Society today, and even most church- then followed up by a crowd of ignorant Another child’s game is patty cake. It
es, focus on creating an atmosphere people who blog in agreement. Many talks about baking a cake, but nobody is
where people are afraid to say anything of these people never attend church, baking a cake. It’s all talk and no action.
that might offend somebody. Yet, even but they have appointed themselves Pattycakers talk the talk, but don’t walk
in that kind of cultural environment, armchair watchdogs, ready to fight over the walk.
nearly everything offends somebody and chew on the latest internet bone Young children are also known for
or hurts somebody’s feelings. During a thrown their direction. spitting up anything they don’t want
60-minute sermon, if a minister makes Perry and I have been startled at the to chew. What the minister is preach-
one controversial statement that lasts number of people who label themselves ing may be what they need, but it is not
60 seconds, the person who disagrees mature Christians, but behind their what they want. Thus, immature believ-
with the comment will never remember masks are spiritual crybabies. Unless ers will pick and choose their food; and
the 59 minutes of truth. Instead, the you continually keep them happy, give if you don’t give them what they want,
focus will obsessively remain on the 60 them whatever they want, and con- they will whine, kick, and complain.

4 VOICE OF EVANGELISM | JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022