Double Agents

Secret Agent movies were very popular when I was a student. The James Bond 007 franchise is still a success today, 40 years later.

Over the years there have been many movies and television shows about spies and secret agents. (“Mission: Impossible” and “Get Smart” come to mind.) All glamorize or make light of a very serious part of international affairs--espionage.

Even the Bible records the use of spies to check out enemy defenses in the Promised Land.

One of the most feared and dangerous roles in the spy business is the double agent. A double agent secretly works for both sides. But his allegiance is usually to one side alone.

Sometimes a double agent’s allegiance is only to himself. He is in it for what benefits him.

Sort of like some people who attend church.

“Now hold on just a minute! Churchgoers as double agents? Isn’t that a little outrageous?”

Maybe, but it’s also true. At least for some.

They look like they fit in. They dress the part, talk the talk and even donate money. But when they attend church, they are just putting on a show. They do it to convince others and themselves that they’re Christians. But their allegiance is only to themselves.

While double agents make a great plot element in a movie, their presence in a church can be devastating—both to the organization and to themselves.

Why? Because they have a different mission than Christ or his church.

Jesus made it clear that he came “to seek and to save the lost.” His passion is to have a personal faith relationship with each member of the human race. To bring forgiveness, peace and hope to us through his death on the cross.

The mission of the church is to take the gospel, the good news about Christ, to the world. It’s a very simple message that can be summed up in ten words: “Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.” Everyone who believes in him is forgiven and receives eternal life.

The church is not here to be a rule-enforcing police department, a political action committee or a theater with the best show in town. Its main mission is not social justice. It is here to point people to Jesus Christ. People who will worship and serve him alone.

When power-seeking, self-centered or greedy individuals infiltrate the church, they can do immeasurable harm to it. Especially if they become church leaders and substitute a “shadow mission” (their own agenda) for what Jesus asked the church to do.

Such “double agents” also suffer personally. They suffer because they miss out on a personal relationship with God and the forgiveness, joy and peace he offers them through faith in Christ.

They think the church is just another service organization and see membership as a way to improve their standing in the eyes of others. Or maybe as a way to control other people.

What to do? Well, if you’re a churchgoer ask yourself, “Am I on Jesus’ mission or my own?”

Are you following Jesus and serving him or are you only attending for what you get out of it? Does your life encourage others to follow Christ or discourage them?

The Apostle Paul wrote in the Bible, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Paul was not a “secret agent” Christian or a “double agent.” He was a real Christ follower.

When you get to the end of your life, all the thrills, power and wealth you’ve gained will mean nothing. Only your faith in Christ and the people you pointed to him will matter in eternity.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!