Bass Ackwards

God's Way

Out of death comes life

seed to harvest: seed dies in ground, and produces a harvest
Cross to Resurrection: Christ's death brings on His resurrection

Institution's Way

Out of [the illusion of] life comes death

The institution and its protectors ask for all the accoutrements of vitality and life to be displayed:

• commitment to the institution
• participation
• refer to one another as brother and sister (look like a family)
• many social activities (contrived so we look like we enjoy being with each other)
• many educational commitments (look like you are learning and growing)
• accountability (look like you are open and honest)

The result? More often than not death -- almost guaranteed if you are trusting in the institution, the protectors, and/or your fellow followers rather than Christ. Christ, the resurrection, is life, not potlucks, not bible studies, and not even accountability for quiet times.

But idf you trust in all that and not in Christ, then you'll very likely find yourself drier and drier, deader and deader. But thankfully, God is gracious nonetheless.