Momus
The Golden Age of Greece, around 500 B.C., birthed many scholars and philosophers who made great contributions significantly affecting the quality of life into the present era. Architecture, math, philosophy, poetry, drama, and democratic government only begin a list of Greek influence.
While being intellectual giants, Greek culture ironically laced fiction and myth in a strange marriage producing a polytheistic religious culture. Gods were a mixture of supernatural powers, human emotions and lusts. Devotion to the gods was intense and passionate -- affording some of the most elaborate and impressive architectural feats of history in honor of gods and goddesses.
The gods did whatever thy wanted to do, even consort with humans. The sport and play of the gods often produced off-spring that was half-god, half-man, e.g. Hercules.
Among the odd twists and turns of Greek polytheism, or reverence of many gods, there is no more unusual intervention than the god Momus, the carping god. Momus existed only to complain and find fault with others. His whole existence was for the purpose of being negative.
It is difficult to imagine the intellectualism of the Greeks and to consider that they would invent an idol god like Momus.
When Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter two and instructed that there should be no murmuring, he doubtless, was referencing Momus.
The year of 2006 is here. God in His mercy has spared us, had mercy upon us, and bestowed grace -- abundant grace. We are blessed.
The source of our blessing is not from mythical idol gods. Jesus is our elder brother and Savior. We are blessed and highly favored to be sons and daughters of God, included in salvation’s plan. We are members of His Body, the Church, bound together in unity and one accord through the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus.
“What are you doing about being in fellowship with others?” I asked a young married man who insisted that he reads his Bible daily.
“Well,” he said, “We do not go to church. We read our Bibles and pray at home.”
“Sir,” I responded, “You cannot satisfy the teachings of Christ if you do not connect yourself to His Body, the Church.”
It was an unsettling moment for the young man. Our conversation continued with his listening to the clear story of how salvation includes us in Christ’s Body. We only have one Lord. He is a Lord of peace, love, hope, mercy, and grace. His blood shed for us is atonement for our sins. We are made righteous through Him.
I mentioned Momus because there are those who see the Church as flawed. The spirit of Momus, a false god, has corrupted too many hearts sowing seeds of distrust and criticism. Carping leaves the victim with the sense that nobody is perfect, and the world is totally bad.
One cannot possibly know Christ and walk in the spirit of Momus. Christ is joy unspeakable, peace that passes knowledge, and hope that defeats every dart of hell. To be in the Body is to love the fellowship of those who have taken up their cross to follow Jesus. To be a member of the Church, His Body, is the essence of duty upon earth, the rhyme and reason of why we were created. To bring glory to Christ and His Church is our mission in life. Those who have been forgiven of their sins long for inclusion and fellowship in the Church.
To be with brothers and sisters in unity of worship and praise is a high privilege. To labor together in service for Christ and His glory is a privilege. To see the beauty of Christ in the life and character of other believers is beautiful. Away with Momus the carping god!
We serve the Lord, Christ, Son of the Living God. We are family. Let us be up and going, giving praise as we go, for our God lives in the praises of His people.
What strength is in a body of people united in praise and service to Christ! Let us together practice unity and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit!
With praise for victories to come,
Pastor Bare