There is something potentially frightening in Amos, and it is something every Christian needs to be faced with. It is exactly what Israel needed to be faced with. Amos brought to Israel a warning against spiritual complacency. Israel did all the "religious" things (see 5:21-23). But they did none of the God-pleasing things. They play-acted their religion very nicely. But they did not follow God. They forgot about love and justice and mercy and compassion. They forgot about obedience to the covenant. They forgot about servanthood and humility and sacrifice of themselves for the blessing of others. In effect, they created their own self-serving religion. They were so blinded with pride they could not see the deceit in their heart. And Amos came to show it to them and call them to repentance.
Read Amos and ask if he is also speaking to you. Paul reflects Amos as he writes, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5). Is there evidence that Christ is in you?
