Go to Church or…
There are two issues about which every Alabamian must form an opinion…Alabama/Auburn football and the “Go to Church or the Devil will get you!” sign outside of Montgomery.
Living in the buckle of the Bible belt can make for some interesting signage in our beautiful state. Travelers making the trek up or down I65 have inevitably seen this sign just north of Prattville, AL. It was built by a Montgomery contractor, WS Newell, in the mid 90’s. It was taken down for several months, but, no worries, it has been resurrected.
The message stands out starkly among the picturesque setting of the water wheel and beautfiul lake in the background. My first remembrance of seeing this devilish sign happened on a family trip down to Gulf Shores. And it totally reminds me of the cans of deviled ham Mom used to buy. I admittedly grin every time I see it.
I totally understand why it makes some people infuriated or makes others roll their eyes in embarrassment. It is probably not the best way to share the gospel.
However, this past week, as I whizzed by it heading home, I not only grinned, I gave it some deeper thought. While the sign is not a direct quote from the Bible, I wondered if I could trace the line of thinking behind it. Let’s pick it apart.
GO TO CHURCH – Why do we choose to go to church and gather with other believers? Hebrews 10:24-25 gives us several compelling reasons to stay in fellowship: and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. All of these are fabulous reasons to go to church…not out of obligation or guilt, but out of the sheer benefits of being in community with fellow worshippers.
OR THE DEVIL WILL GET YOU! – Satan, without a doubt, would love nothing more than to “get us” – but not with a pitchfork or his pointy tale. Look at what 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
My family used to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom TV show back in the 70’s. I can still hear Marlin Perkins’ voice narrating scenes where ravenous lions seek out the sick, weak, or young as easy prey. All of these kinds of animals are in isolation, making them easy targets.
When we aren’t in fellowship with other believers, we become isolated in our spiritually weakened state. This makes us easy prey for Satan.
So will the Devil “get us” if we don’t go to church? Well, not in the sense that a figure in a red devil suit and a sickle will pop out from behind a corner and whack you. That’s just not biblical. Biblically speaking, we simply become more susceptible to the snares and schemes Satan has devised when we are isolated from other believers. Oh yes, Satan has schemes.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 not be ignorant of the Devil’s schemes…“So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”
I truly believe going to church fortifies my armor so I do not have vulnerable places exposed for devilish attacks.
I realize many people think the sign is hokey, embarrassing, and does not represent our state well. While Mr. Newell’s sign may be offensive to some, it at least makes us stop and think. Its simplistic message is refreshing in a world where we try to tiptoe around some obvious truths. Attending church doesn’t mean we will live perfect lives and never falter; however, it will keep us strong and less prone to “giving the devil opportunity” (Eph. 4:27).
And now all I want is one of Mom’s famous Deviled Ham sandwiches! 🙂
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