As I get older and closer to Eternity, I realize the worthlessness of many things I used to think were important.
And the incredible importance of things that I used to take for granted.
In that important category, is a simple truth.
That what is true is not based upon experience but on the written word of God.
Which is our only source of faith.
Which is our only source of absolute trustworthiness in this life and the life to come.
A problem that is common to every believer in Christ is dealing with one’s own inner self. And our confidence in that self.
Yet, despite the reality of our evil inner man, the idea that self-confidence is a bad thing is rejected within Evangelicalism today.
Because self-esteem teaching has permeated the church. Thanks to a number of “Christian psychologists” who have pushed this thinking. Even going so far as to say that having a lack of self-esteem is the real definition of sin. Which is an idea popularized by the late Robert Schuller, the “positive thinking” preacher.
One of the most important lessons of life that I’ve learned, (Or, perhaps I should say, I’ve had to learn and then re-learn and then learn again) is the willingness to walk alone in truth.
Now, this may seem a bit strange to say. But it’s about learning that there is no group, no denomination, no church, no Christian University, no seminary, no organization, no ministry, no writer, no leader, and no pastor that you can trust 100%.
This is why we must each learn to walk in the integrity of our own convictions, according to the scriptures, even if we must walk alone. Even when all those around us think we are wrong.
The scriptures command us to Defend the Faith.
This presupposes that there actually are scriptural absolutes to defend.
Not just good ideas. Nor simply strong beliefs. But solid, non-negotiable, doctrinal truths.
Even so the modern Evangelical church is moving away from scriptural absolutes. Not long ago, one of our local pastors even made a comment against “absolutes”.
Which means that truth must not really be true anymore. Even though our pastors still call “truth” by that name.
At least not absolute truth which one must believe in order to be right with God. Which one must believe in order to be saved.
Nowadays, it’s more about what you do or don’t do or how nice and loving you are that makes you right with God.
Instead of what you actually believe.
In the midst of all the talk about not making idols out of political alliances, or American Exceptionalism, or the American Way, or the Republican party, or Conservative principles, Evangelicals ignore many things.
They ignore the fact that we do not live in a vacuum.
I know I’ve written about this recently, (“Polarization” in the Church? – February 19, 2022) but I just wanted to cover one more related point.
That the spiritual, unseen world spills over into the physical world.
It is impossible to prevent that.
When a person kills another person, other than in self defense or in a justified action on behalf of a country or state, it is murder.
Regardless of the weapon used.
Whether using a gun, a knife, a stick, a rock, or a popsicle stick. It makes no difference. The deed is still murder.
Murder is a sin. And sin is evil.
And it is caused by a condition of the soul.
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
A Christian is already living in Resurrected Life NOW.
We are not talking of physical life here. This is about our spiritual life.
This is what it means when a person must be “born again”. Born a second time.
A true Christian is living what is actually an Imputed Life.
Which can only be true if God has declared us to be both Crucified and Risen. We can only be risen with Christ if we have already been crucified, dead, and buried.
When churches preach against selfishness, they assume that a Christian will be ashamed and then do selfless things.
That is the theory.
But there is a fatal flaw in this thinking.
The Christian cannot overcome his “self”. Only the Lord is able to accomplish this.
Only by yielding ourselves to His working within us are we able to do anything that is good. And keep from doing anything that is bad.
I’ve been listening to a lot of preachers these days who are trying to establish a new principle of Christian living.
Namely, that Christians should not be critical or divisive in their speech. As in criticizing a leader or teacher within one’s own church. Or by criticizing a well-known preacher, writer, or ministry. Especially a leader or ministry that is respected by one’s own church.
The basis for this new principle comes from the idea that Christians are to be known “by our love”. By our love for each other. And by our love for all the people in the world.
This love principle is contrasted against being known by our correct orthodoxy or accurate interpretation of scripture, or our defense of some doctrinal position. Which are each, supposedly, based on our own preferences or “tribal” affiliations.
But is this “non-critical” posture really biblical? Is this truly what the Lord has told us to do?
Eternal Approach 
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