Lots of congregations put witty sayings on their sign boards. One I saw recently said, “For our many blessings we give thanks”.

It dawned on me that I have never seen a sign that said, “In the world you’ll have trouble” (John 16:33 God’s Word©).

Or “[Satan] wants to separate you from me as a farmer separates wheat from husks” (Luke 22:31 God’s Word©).

Or “I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you evil people” (Matthew 7:23 God’s Word©).

Or “The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends” (John 15:13 God’s Word©).

Or “I have this against you: The love you had at first is gone” (Revelation 2:4 God’s Word©).

Or “The devil is going to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested” (Revelation 2:10 God’s Word©).

Or “You are known for being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1 God’s Word©).

Or “You say, ‘I’m rich. I’m wealthy. I don’t need anything.’ Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17 God’s Word©). Well, this one is too long…

The signs I see tell only one side of the picture. What about the persecution inevitable to believers, or personal discipline, or sexual morality, or the evils of making religion your God?

No, people wouldn’t flock into worship at a place that had signs like that on display.

To be fair, all the sign suggestions I listed are directed at religious people and should be inside, not on signboards. But then all the cute and comforting messages don’t apply to those who walk or drive by and have no allegiance to Jesus Christ.

What a conundrum.

Makes one think that The Church needs prophets inside and evangelists outside, eh?