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October 14, 2005
Heretics R Us
The Bible warns that as the time of Christ's return draws closer there will be more people who teach false doctrine. There's no denying that there are televangalist who have made mistakes and may even have teachings that are contrary to the Bible. While this is and should be a concern of the church, I think there is even a greater ill that is being done.
Look into just about any successful ministry and you will find a web site or a book that labels the leader of that ministry a false teacher. Some are, some are not. But the ministries that have dedicated themselves to pointing our false teachers are doing a disservice to the Church that they believe they are helping. We have been so inundated by claims that this person or that ministry is of false teaching that it's distraction to what Christ is trying to accomplish. It's caused an attitude of distrust in the Church which is very easily triggered since we live in a society that teaches us not to trust.
The Bible does indeed warn of false teachers and says that they are to be avoided. However, the Bible teaches us to compare what they teach to the Bible, not compare what they teach to what someone else thinks. Unfortunately, we've allowed the waters to become polluted because of our laziness; our failure to discern on our own. We live in a society that caters to our every whim and at a time where we don't have to work very hard to get the things that we want. We're catered to and we're used to having things given to us - especially information. Why read the Bible when someone can tell me what it says; why search the scriptures when I can google? This is not a healthy attitude.
There is no New Testament ministries whose primary focus was to expose others. Paul and others did speak about it, even named others, however it was not his entire ministry, it wasn't even a principle part (although it was and is needed). Therefore any ministry whose entire focus is exposing the heresy and extra-biblical nature of other ministries, is in itself heresy. They are like Job's friends, condemning, but have no answers from heaven.
The road is indeed narrow and all churches and ministries must walk this narrow path when it comes to false teaching. To become all about discerning false teaching breeds mistrust and leads to a spirit of hate and blinds you as you become the very thing you fight against. On the other hand to deny or act like false teaching doesn't exist is just as unhealthy and leaves open the door of false doctrine.
As Christians, the judgments that we make must be done while seeking to shed God's light. Without keeping His purposes at the forefront, the Church gets caught up in the same effects that have ensnared politics and journalism. Every fine point must be examined when spoken, each word chosen carefully, lest someone twist it against you. While this spirit causes ineffectual politics and journalism it is even more dangerous in the church.
All in all, and judgments that are made must be done in maturity, without condemnation, and with a heart that seeks righteousness. The truth that we speak should be enough to expose any darkness. There is no need to be the discerner for others, we must teach others how to learn the truth themselves.
Choosing any other path leads to a breakdown of the body. As we progress towards maturity we will be tempted to point other the error in others, to others. In most circles, this is known as being a busybody or a gossip. A critical spirit, not compassion, is what drives a busybody. A busybody has difficulty considering others more important. Gossip is not healthy for the Church or the individual and as we mature, we must guard against being a participant in any type of gossip otherwise we will be incapable of helping others to mature in Christ.
Posted by Jesse at October 14, 2005 10:58 AM
Comments
Thanks! That's something valuable for me to keep in mind.
Posted by: Rahadyan at October 15, 2005 2:56 AM