Secret Agents

Spy movies were very popular when I was a student. The James Bond 007 franchise is still a success today, almost 50 years later.

Over the years there’ve been many movies and television shows about spies and secret agents. “I Spy,” “Get Smart,” “Mission: Impossible” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” were some of my favorites. All glamorized or made light of a very serious side 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 that attend church.

“Now hold on just a minute!” you may say. Churchgoers as double agents? Isn’t that just 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 and his church.

Jesus made it clear he came “to seek and to save the lost.” He did not come to be served but to serve others. His goal was to have a personal faith relationship with each member of the human race. And to bring forgiveness, peace and hope to all 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 that trusts in him receives forgiveness of sin and 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 or to make people wealthy. It’s here to point people to Jesus Christ so they 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 commanded the church to do.

They may think the church is just another service organization and see membership as a way to improve their standing in the community. Or it may become a way to control other people.

Such “double agents” also suffer personally. How? By missing out on a personal faith relationship with God and the forgiveness, joy and peace he offers them through Jesus Christ.

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

Are you following Jesus, obeying him and serving others? Or are you only attending church 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 genuine Christ follower.

When you reach 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!