“DIVINE DEMOGRAPHICS”… What is that?
Marketing people and politicians (as well as others) are very concerned about the demographics of an area… What kind of people live there? Their ethnicity, their culture, their values, their average income, their educational level, their language, and their influencers (leadership), are all important to them.
So what characteristically/typically has been the “demographics” of “the church?” What has been its makeup down through the centuries and up to the present time? What would be the accurate, authentic demographic that God would recognize for “His people” down through the centuries? Sure there are exceptions – and exceptional people – but what is (and has been) the “divine demographic” of “the People of God?” Have they on the whole been highly educated? Would they be considered “the elites” of society? Have they as a general rule been wealthy and prosperous? Have they been typically white, or black, or brown?
This may surprise you… but according to Scripture NONE of these things matter! In fact, in my Bible reading this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read an “inspired” assessment of the demographic of the “church” in Corinth that I believe is typical of authentic “Christ followers” universally. Here’s what Paul reminded them of…
“For consider your calling: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, SO THAT NO HUMAN BEING MIGHT BOAST IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. And because of Him [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, AS IT IS WRITTEN, “LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” (From 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 ESV)
I’ve traveled globally in Church ministry and I can tell you that’s an accurate assessment! There are exceptions (the Biblical text does say “not many are…”) but on the whole, the church is made up of common, ordinary people! That’s good news… it includes me (and probably YOU!). Let me tell you, the color of your skin does not matter to God (after all the “golden text” of the Bible reads: God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only Son, so that WHOSOEVER believes in Him might have everlasting life!” – John 3:16)… It may “tick some people off” a bit, but let me break it to you gently… “ALL LIVES MATTER TO GOD!” How much money you have or property you own does not matter (in fact, the rich who follow Jesus are expected to exhibit generous stewardship of the resources God has given them)! Beautiful, handsome, or ordinary or having a deformity, doesn’t matter! Where you live (or have lived) doesn’t matter! Your “nationality” or cultural background does not matter to Him! Single or married is not an issue! And He ignores the letters before or after your name (if they’re there it only means additional accountability)!
“Divine Demographics!” Listen, I’m just honored to be a “Christian” – LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD!”
Coffee With The Lord 