As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Trade with these till I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' Luke 19:11–14 (RSV)
Many regard an atheist as a danger to the Church and its faith. An atheist is a sad creature who has convinced themselves that there is no God. At best, they ignore the Church. At worst, they spend a lot of energy trying to deny God, who they say doesn't exist.
A much greater danger to the Church and its faith are those who give lip service to God but have little time for Him in their lives. They pretend that God is important but conduct their lives as if God is to be used for their gain. They often resent God more than any atheist, seeing God as a barrier to their religious schemes.
Jesus encountered many who said they longed for the Messiah to come but would not accept that He was the Messiah. They had God and His plans all sorted out in their minds, and Jesus was a monkey wrench in the gears.
It is not surprising that many in the crowds shouting 'Hosanna!' on Palm Sunday would be among those screaming for His death on Good Friday. Those who longed for the Messiah to take David's throne declared, "We have no king, but Caesar."
Do our actions affirm our love for Jesus? Or do they say something else about His lordship in our lives? Jesus has called us to follow, making use of the gifts He has given us. How shall we use them?