Written by Christie Karns
Due to the events surrounding the assassination of conservative community action leader Charlie Kirk, there are multiple news reports citing a spiritual revival in our land. Many religious leaders nationwide reported an influx in their attendance building to a well– attended memorial service for Mr. Kirk filled with worship music and passionate sermons. This recent event is not the first time a spiritual movement has spontaneously swept the country. On September 12, 2001, part of the effects of the terrorist attacks that occurred the previous day were Americans returning to church in massive quantities.
Fast forward to February 8, 2023, at Asbury college campus, what began as a routine Wednesday Chapel service with the student body turned into a multi-week outpouring that some have described as a revival. There were similar events that took place at Florida State University and Ohio State University.
In addition, in early 2024, the Springtide Research Institute reported that more than a quarter of young people ages 18-25 said they had become more religious or spiritual over the past year. This is perhaps in response to some of the social, economic and emotional issues our country has been facing and continues to face. Many in the Gen Z population have begun looking to fill their internal void with faith-based religion.
Society’s allegiances have always bent back and forth. Many join a popular movement based on an emotional response only to vacillate to another opinion shortly after. Moreover, that may be why God has always used unusual means to convict people and awaken them to their spiritual needs. God has used a talking donkey, a burning bush, a whale, even a bodiless hand writing words on a wall to capture the attention of people. Titus 2:11 tells us it is “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
What is the distinction between responding to emotions conjured by a good man dying and seeking God because of a desire to live a life without sin?
Matthew 19:16-24 recounts an example of a young man who becomes concerned about his soul. In verse 16, this man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to have eternal life. This rich young ruler recognizes his real need and asks Jesus how to fill it. Jesus answers him by recounting the Ten Commandments. The man responds by saying that he has kept all these from his youth, yet knows he is still lacking something. Now Christ gets down to the man’s real need. In verse 21, Jesus says, “If ye would be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” The story ends with the rich young man going away sad because he has great possessions. He is not prepared to separate from his riches and follow Christ out of a loving heart.
What do you want to receive from a church? What are you looking to gain from joining a cause? People not only want to feel part of something great, they also want it to bring them meaning and value. Unfortunately, sometimes this enthusiasm, though noble, can quickly fade away as the headlines calm down.
The Church of God has often been the final destination for a sin-weary soul. Many have found lasting happiness through the gift of salvation. Beyond that, they have found God and the congregation to be exactly what they were looking for: a family that cares, love, peace, and soul-satisfaction. If souls are going to find true religion and not a cause, they are going to have to seek God with all their hearts and turn from their sins no matter the cost. Is America experiencing a revival? The real question is much more personal – Have you been revived, and will it last?