I had the pleasure and privilege of attending a conference this week that stirred my thoughts. Rick Warren shared that he used to really struggle with saying the words that Paul said "Follow me as I follow Christ." Then he said that as he grew he would rather that you follow him instead of some rock star, because at least he (Rick) is trying to do right.
We have a propensity to follow. People, trends, fads, fashions. You name it we follow. There is an element to our following others that paralyzes us, minimizes our influence, and leads to the endorsement of wrong things. Jesus says that "My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me." (John 10). However, we will follow someone or a point of view that we are uncomfortable with, or even see as wrong because......we don't want to stand out from others and be the Lone Ranger of truth in a sea of error. Why is that? There are two reasons (which really are the same): Fear of Man, and Fear of Embarassment.
At this same conference Dave Gibbons, a pastor out of California, shared something that is commonly believed in Christian circles. He shared that many people teach and believe that certain spiritual gifts stopped after the Apostles passed off the scene. It made me reflect on what I had been taught early on as a Christian (the same thing). We can be heavily influenced by the circles that we travel in, even taking positions not supported by scripture. We will deny the evidence because it cannot be explained by our system of beliefs. But what are we missing out on by not daring to follow Christ and those who are following HIM?
'Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.' John 12:42-43
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Stand for God's truth. And those who are following His truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
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As a new Christian, what is the litmus test for truth. Heresy is cunning and often shrouded in enough truth that the lie is hard to detect. I would even venture to say some lies come with a great deal of sincerity, good works and blind ignorance.
Where is the balance between radical fundamentalism leading to separatism and the other extreme of prosperity and forgiveness leading to sin? I've experienced more separation and dissention within the church than outside. I thought it was Christ and only Christ--not Christ plus or minus. I want to grow with balance and truth, not with some self-serving, homemade blend of incomplete theologies.
I pray that God keeps me from the snares of the enemy's deception; however, it keeps me searching for a church home where I can worship with more than a modicum of peace. I will continue to "go out with joy and be led forth with peace" and in search of truth...and as you suggested "those who follow His truth." Thanks for burning the light so strongly that there is no question about your path.
Churchless in the U.S.
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