Blind Watchmen and Dumb Dogs

Isa. 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

I do not know if a better description can be found to fit the average preacher of today. The OT prophet was speaking of the lax prophets of his day, but his words apply to modern day church leaders who are asleep at the wheel or, to give a better ecclesiastical example, asleep in the pulpit.

A blind watchman sees no one and therefore warns no one. A watchdog that will not bark is nothing more than a biscuit eater. He doesn't pull his own weight and is a danger to those who depend on his faithful bark.

The modern day professional preacher is willfully blind and purposefully silent when it comes to warning of the dangers and consequences of sin. In this age of enlightenment, we have arrived at the place where sin is no longer preached against. Instead, Bible principles are taught, Bible studies are held, prophecy conferences are offered, and social gatherings in churches are at an all-time high.

The average preacher places a premium on being "spiritually" politically correct, non-judgmental, sensitive, purpose driven and popular. He shudders with horror that he could be seen as legalistic, meanspirited, narrowminded, old-fashioned and out of touch with the times, and especially out of touch with the youth. As a result, he becomes a blind watchman and a dumb dog who facilitates the destruction of his sheep as they plunge headlong down the slippery slope of the world with its philosophies, standards, dress code, attitude, and actions.

1. Preachers, as a rule, no longer preach against drinking. God help the preacher to grow a backbone and love his people by warning them of the serpent in a bottle.
2. Preachers hardly ever preach against sexual immorality, homosexuality, and pornography.
3. Preachers won't usually dare touch the issue of modest dress and appearance. Make no provision for the flesh, and don't flaunt the flesh either.
4. Preachers do not often preach on the authority structure of the home, with the husband as the head and the wife as the completer.
5. Preachers often fail to preach against ungodly entertainment via television, videos, or the Internet.
6. Preachers are hesitant to preach against corruption among politicians, afraid of offending those who vote for liberals based on party alone.

I understand that it is through the Gospel that men are saved, but there must follow a teaching of separation to those who have been saved. Jesus said to preach the Gospel to every creature (evangelism), and Paul said to "preach the word (to those who have been evangelized).... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering." 2 Tim. 4:2

It is not an either/or situation. We are to preach the Gospel and preach the whole counsel of God, which includes reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.

Preaching against sin heightens awareness of right and wrong and re-establishes the standard of absolutes. There is a God and a Devil; a right and a wrong, a Heaven and a Hell, and everyone is going to one or the other. The preaching of standards of right and wrong helps to remind people that there is a standard by which God's children are to live. Specific, pointed preaching is effective.

When we don't preach separation from sin and the world for God's children, it undercuts the preaching of the Gospel and therefore affects the long-term harvest for future generation.

We have a full generation of Christians in places of power today who have not heard the truth about sin; and friend, it's evident in churches, politics, schools, families, and the workplace. May God be merciful to those preachers who are not living up to their calling to preach the Word.

Excerpts of article by Joseph Harris