Illustrations are used to drive a point home...sometimes the truth hurts!

"Many pastors are like pig farmers!  Christians show up to church and expect the pastor to give them what they need to fill them up and fatten them up spiritually to be able to make it through the week."

Audible gasps were heard through the auditorium.

For some reason...we don't think illustrations like this are "appropriate in church".  We get all hot and bothered..."The pastor just called us pigs."  "Well...I never..."

Would you have rathered he called you a fool?  sluggard?  silly woman?  scorner?  unlearned?

We truly understood the point that was being made.  Sometimes...Christians...church members...we need to be shocked out of our lethargy!  Our sin needs to be called out...whether we like it or not!  Whether it hurts or not!  We don't hear straight forward, direct preaching like we once did.  We don't like to hear it because it steps all over our toes and makes us feel guilty as the Holy Spirit tries to penetrate our heart, will, and stubborn pride.

Would you have rathered he asked you how many times you opened the Bread of Life and ate for yourself this week?  Or fed your family during a time of devotions?  Would that have been less shocking?  Would you have been less offended?  I submit to you...you would have been just as upset!  Because the question was personal and hurts when we realize what the truth is!  It demands a yes or no answer! 

As you spend time each day feasting on God's Word, you will come to realize that "all our righteousness is as a filthy rag" before a pure and holy God.  "Without Him...we can do nothing" to please Him.  He shows us how to think and live in His Word. He expects us to read, meditate, and memorize "that we may grow thereby".

Yes, I think the illustration that was used was perfect! 

Pigs...coming to a trough to get their fill...doing nothing...covered in muck!

Not the first time in history that pigs and their slop have been used to get someone's attention!  The blessing from that particular story...the man got right...and went home to make things right.

So what was all the gasping about?!