This is personal...

Recently, an older well-known writer/preacher posted a dismissive tweet about a younger well-known writer/preacher whose new book is about to released. Inherit in the twitter statement was a unfavorable judgement and conclusion about the author although the poster has not read the book yet. A fire storm of criticism followed suite about the author of the new book from other Biblically conservative authors and bloggers.

I have pre-ordered the book myself and for the Elders at RCC and we will be reading and discussing it. We are considering taking a Sunday to talk about the issues raised in the book and some of the surrounding controversy.

I will say here, having read some of the criticized author's other books, in my understanding of scripture, he gets some things wrong, he also gets some things right. Either way, he is not my God. Nor does any one person represent the thoughts I should think about God. Anyone who really reads Martin Luther, Calvin, CS Lewis, Charles Finney or even understands some of the prominent thinking in the days of the early church, understands - there are many varied theological thoughts and ideas that were held by some of the most influential molders of modern Christian thought. We are in danger when we elevate any one thinker as always being right.

To be clear, I believe scripture is divinely inspired, God-breathed living word that is always true. Just like the perfect law was applied to an imperfect people (Romans 7), the perfect word of God cannot be fully understood by any one, very imperfect person at least not until the end of all things (1 Co 13:10-12). Anyone who sets themselves up as having THEE understanding of scripture is in danger of becoming a cult leader. This is why we need the larger Jesus-following community.

Christianity has way too many weak-minded reactionary people that are just waiting for their leaders to tell them what to think. It has been this way since the early stages of the church, as written by Paul to a church in the city of Corinth:


¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?             -1 Corinthians 

The point, is never man. The point is always Jesus. Now, if the criticized author is off, then it needs to stated. But to dismiss and call names as I have been reading, seems just as damaging to the body of Christ and the purposes of His Kingdom as what they are accusing him of.

As I have been thinking through some of these things, I felt my finger point right back at me. How many times have I been careless with my language? How many times have I been divisive? This is personal.

I am a potentially deadly combination of a "D" personality mixed with a prophetic and discerning gifting which basically means I see things in the world-wide church that make me feel indignant and I if I don't say something about it, I will explode. At least that is what I feel like. The problem is, this causes me to react without being dependent on God's timing and grace. If I am not careful, I can do damage quickly to His larger body. In trying to make strong points and to draw clear distinctions, I have probably said more than I needed. Some of that is probably even evident in some posts on this blog.

In reality, some of what I have been reading about the current issues is a painful reminder about my own tendencies. I desire to not be a person who most easily produces a critical, condemning, or complaining spirit and accusations. I truly desire to be known for a spirit of graciousness, generosity & gratefulness. I am earnestly learning the ways of humility.

I am who I am for a reason. Where truth is clear, it should be clearly proclaimed. Yet, as with everything in life, there is balance that must be struck. I am getting a taste that this balance comes as we let go of who we are, die to self,  and decrease so that He can increase through us.