THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

This metaphor refers to an obvious problem or difficult situation that no one is willing to address. Organized religion has failed in a specific area and has adopted a 'head-in-the-sand' mindset concerning its importance. 

Discipleship is being ignored.  

It is the process by which believers grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped to deal with the pressures of living in a lost and dying world. The messages that come from the pulpit of most churches have nothing to do with the training, accountability, and maturation of God's people. 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 

Increasing numbers of professing Christians don't study their Bible, aren't interested in evangelism, but instead choose to be open-minded and blend in with today's culture ... rather than be seen as 'rocking the boat'. 

According to Scripture, being a disciple involves personal growth characterized by the following:

1. Putting Jesus first ... 'Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me'. Mark 8:34

2. Following His teachings ... 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples'. John 8:31 

3. Bearing fruit ... 'My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples'. John 15:8 

4. Loving others ... 'By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another'. John 13:35 

5. Making disciples ... 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you'. Matthew 28:19-20

When a pastor fails to preach salvation to the lost and discipleship to the saved, he does not understand the responsibility of his position ... Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:28

A preacher with a glib tongue, a charismatic personality, and sermons that bring attention to 'self' rather than Christ ... will be judged harshly by God. (James 3:1) The people remain spiritually immature as they become more enamored with smooth technique than with sound doctrine. 

Discipleship is 'the elephant in the room' ...  and it's easier and easier to ignore as the mind is seared by soft, shallow messages.