One of my desires for 2019 (which has been seen by previous posts on this blog) has been to “lobby” for a richer understanding of God’s Word. I am tired of legalism. I am tired of extrabiblical practices like gold dust falling from heaven; feathers falling from the sky; uncontrollable actions (called Kundalini spirit); a fire tunnel; and even the occultic act of grave-sucking (google it). I am tired of rules and regulations imposed on followers of Christ. At the same time I want to advocate for coming to the Word without a preconceived agenda. I think one of the greatest dangers-one I was often guilty of-is one Mr. Morgan speaks about:
There is no more perilous method than that of coming to the Bible in order to prove something you have already made up your mind to. (p.27)
Authoritarianism has no place in the leadership of the church. No matter your church ecclesiology, a pastor is called a shepherd. Shepherds don’t beat sheep; they feed sheep. A pastor who claims to know it all knows nothing. A pastor/church/denomination/organization who claims to have the corner on the truth is really only a dull, round edge. He is deluded, puffed-up, arrogant, presumptuous and totally lacking what Proverbs 9:8 is speaking about: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” One verse earlier he says, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” Windbags and blowhards, people who think they know-it-all, and people who think it is “Us 4, no more, shut the door” need their ego and puffed-up spirit popped.
“Father, I speak for myself. Please help me not to pretend or to act like a know-it-all. All those wasted years make me shudder. I wish I could go back to all those people and churches I abused with my pompous attitude, but know I can’t. Thanks for your forgiveness and grace. Help me to be a pastor who continues to learn and continues to grow and continues to love and continues to show grace.”
“Shepherds don’t beat sheep; they feed them.” Absolutely, Bill! May we all enter the Word without preconceived notions, and allow God to speak to our hearts. His is the only wisdom that matters, as we know, in the long run.
Blessings, and don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes! 🙂
Thanks for your comments Martha. Approaching God’s Word clearly is the goal. Can it always be? Jury is out I guess. Thanks for the encouragement about the past mistakes. Every once in awhile i wish I could go back and tell the people about grace. But…
Bill,
I think we all have some level of this. The problem is I think I am right. My belief is based on a book that I have chosen to be an authority in my life. Even with that authority, I still buck up against it at times… more times than I would like to admit.
I say I believe in a book that outlines in many ways how I should live my life… or at least who I should be living my life for. Do I always succeed, no, I fail more often than I succeed.
I try to avoid imposing my belief’s on others. It is not my place to try to tell others how they should or should not live their life, exception being those I am responsible for. My job is to look after me.
One last comment… I try to be careful in imposing my views of grace as well.
My interpretation of what the Bible says vs what others may interpret can be different. Knowing that we all come to God broken and without His full knowledge and understanding. I believe that God has applied grace even in my understanding of grace.
I think when we stand face to face with God (or kneeling before Him) when our time comes… We will finally understand how far off we really were in our interpretation of many things.
Ryan S.
it will be interesting for sure Ryan to see, as you put it, how far off we really were. I hope God’s grace is even grater than i can imagine.
I so appreciate you and your approach to God’s word. And your ending prayer. Blessings and peace for this new year and all He desires for you !
Thanks for your kind words Deb. I pray that your year will be one filled with joy and blessings from God. I hope maybe I can play a small part in that for you.
Amen, brother! Keep on preachin’ the Truth!!!