Eternal Approach

Now, I realize that any one of us can get off base. Seriously, any of us can wander off the path and into the swamp. It is foolish to drive a stake in the ground before we’ve done a proper surveyor’s job. We need to be sure of what we believe before we open our mouths.

That takes study, prayer and growing in the Lord.

So, I am aware that avoiding pride and self delusion demands constant vigilance.

But there is this growing trend among Christians which is cautioning us to not be too sure of our convictions. As if, having and expressing deep beliefs is a sign of arrogance and pride.

Because that is, supposedly, not a “humble” thing to do.

The Humility Police

I have been hearing this “humble” stuff more and more. And I wonder how you become a Christian, read the word of God and get through this life if you really don’t know anything for sure?

So how do we go from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light and not have some seriously profound things to believe? In fact, a whole truckload of things!

This makes me wonder where this humility trend is coming from. What teachers, authors, schools or pastors are pushing this manure? Because it has become way too pervasive to be just a coincidence.

I know that the world around us is silencing conservative thought. And it works feverishly to create a society where evil is called good and good is called evil. And to punish all those that would challenge that thinking.

So when the world uses terms like tolerance and humility, I’m familiar with that outhouse stench.

But when the church uses those terms, I get nervous.

Because, what that really looks like to me is just basic conformity to the world. Where the church loses its purifying power as “the salt loses its savor”.

When I read the scriptures, I don’t get this mamby-pamby view of the disciples. They were bold and clear. And they ticked off a lot of people.

I don’t get the impression that Paul was concerned with how to win friends and influence people. He didn’t create a coalition with the false teachers and false religious groups and then sit down and dialogue with them. Nor try to develop warm friendships with those who preached another gospel.

Certainty 

I’m not going too deep into this tonight. I just want to encourage everyone out there to not be afraid of the “humility police”.

To keep your eyes on Christ and “keep” holding onto His words. To hide His words in your heart. And to know what the scriptures say.

I know you know this stuff. So this is not meant to be a preachy, condescending moment. It is meant as an encouragement from a fellow soldier trying to help others navigate the battlefield. And to possibly maneuver around some nasty traps.

As in, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

And to rest with assurance in His word. “That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? “. (Proverbs 2:21).

And to not apologize for standing on the truth as the Lord has revealed to you. Comparing scripture with scripture and looking at the whole counsel of God.

And then to stand.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

There is a spirit of seduction in the churches that is weakening the resolve of believers to stand on truth. And even silencing them when they dare to speak out.

Just as in the secular world.

This is not new; it is just becoming more prevalent today.

It is a sign of the decay ushered in with the New Evangelical movement of the mid 1900s. This theology has brought an increased acceptance of ecumenical activity and teaching within Bible churches.

With the acceptance of that ecumenical thinking firmly established, many additional and uneasy changes continue to take place in churches today. Those changes get a foothold when Christians lay down and play dead. Or just go along with the group and keep the teaching general, lite and non-controversial.

There is nothing biblical about that. And none of us should have any stomach for it.

Because, to walk with the Lord and “carry our cross daily” demands that we both know and defend the faith.

To stand and defend without apology.

Speaking cordially, kindly and humbly.

But always ready, as faithful soldiers of Christ, to speak the truth in love.