When the church substitutes movement for ministry and justice for Jesus, we risk having a form of godliness that denies its power. This post calls the Black church—and all believers—back to the gospel that alone gives life and strength.

The Illusion of Activity

Our churches are often alive with energy. The choirs are full, the preaching is fiery, and the programs never stop. We march for justice, host community drives, and push voter initiatives. It all looks good. It all feels godly.

But here’s the danger: activity can camouflage emptiness.

Paul warned Timothy about this very thing:

“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
— 2 Timothy 3:5, ESV

There’s a kind of “godliness” that performs well in public but is powerless in private. It sings loudly but prays rarely. It organizes tirelessly but repents little. It can quote slogans but not Scripture.

Power Without the Gospel?

An appearance of godliness can take many forms—justice rallies, worship concerts, social campaigns. But without the gospel of Jesus Christ—His atoning death and victorious resurrection—there is no true power.

Paul makes it plain in Galatians 2:16:

“…we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”

That includes the “works” of social activism. You can shout “Black Lives Matter” until your voice is gone, but if your heart has not bowed to Christ, you remain spiritually unchanged.

Christless Christianity

Charles Spurgeon said it best: “A Christless Christianity is the most Christless thing in the world.”

And that’s what too many churches—Black, white, and otherwise—have embraced: a Christless Christianity. One that comforts without conviction. It builds movements but not disciples. It fuels outrage at injustice but neglects repentance toward God.

When the gospel becomes a footnote to our cultural causes, we trade the cross for a campaign.

What the Church Truly Needs

We must not confuse moral busyness with spiritual power.
Justice work is good—it reflects the heart of God. But justice work without Jesus is powerless.

The world doesn’t need a louder church.
It needs a holier one.
The church doesn’t need more marches.
It needs more men and women falling at the foot of the cross.

Because that’s where real change begins—
not in the streets, but in the soul.

Soli Deo Gloria.