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| Teach less, share more |
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On the internet, I’ve found that teachings on scripture are PLENTIFUL. In fact, there is easily WAY TOO MUCH content written to teach about God and the Bible for any one person to read it all. I’ve even found a TON on MyChurch! With all these teachings, what am I to do when they conflict? (And they do—there are always plenty of conflicting teachings available, and easy to find too!) The convenient answer is to pray and ask God to reveal the truth to me. But I’m pretty sure most of these spiritual counselors do that too, and yet they can’t ALL be right!
Teachings by themselves, apart from the life of the teacher, aren’t worth nearly as much as teachings from a known, familiar person. I put WAY more confidence in teachings of people I know personally. There’s no way I’m gonna toss my own pastor’s teachings in favor of something a person I don’t know writes on the internet. Why? Because LIFE and DOCTRINE (teachings) go hand in hand. If I don’t know anything about your life, your teaching just isn’t going to have much of an impact on me. Unless of course it confirms what I already know! Haha, but then I’ve been taught nothing!
How significant is it when someone offers truths for me to live by, then I discover that they themselves conscientiously live by the very truths they’ve shared? That’s POWERFUL!! But what about teachings from those who confidently assert that they know the truth, but then it’s discovered that they don’t walk by their own teachings? WORTHLESS!
Paul gave some great advice to Timothy, a pastor and teacher: 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
According to Paul, life and doctrine are inextricably intertwined. Only persevering in BOTH was sufficient to save himself and his hearers! And which did Paul list first? Hmm, I wonder if there could actually be even more emphasis on life than teaching? It’s funny, frequently I learn far more by just watching people live than from anything they say...
I believe some people should teach less and share more. I know I’d learn a lot more that way!!!
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| To add a comment to "Teach less, share more" |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Great thoughts Mike! love stu! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Hi are you Mike...I agree we have too many teachers and not enough students..
and we live in the days where one should watch his or her doctrine...I have found
living Godly life is better than teaching it...a true teacher live by example..and not
words...so you are right...because most don't even practice what they peach...
3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| A wiseman knows that he know's nothing. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Mike: So you haven't been listening to what I have been saying??? Oh, what a waste of time! LOL Seriously, though you are so right. You walk talks louder than your talk talks and people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. I think we all have way more than enough information, but what we need is application. Show me how it works. How does this apply to my life. When has it been successful for you? etc.... I would say, that I think it is important to not promote yourself though, as a know it all or having arrived. When I usually get into trouble when I preach is when I bring "me" into it. My life, my struggles, my victories, my failures. It is strange like that. Most are fine with the knowledge, but when we get into specifics and God forbid that the Pastor have any weaknesses he is supposed to be our role model! I agree with you my dear friend your life speaks way more than your doctrinal teachings, but on the other hand you better make sure you are among friends if you are going to get personal.
Love you. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Do what I say, not what I do...I've heard that one way too often...this is great Mr. Mike...lead by example...practice what you preach...we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony...faith without works is dead...if I can see you walking in your faith what a powerful testimony that is...thank you for posting... |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Great scripture KC!! Your second post reminds me of Phil. 2:3 (in humility consider others better than yourself). Thanks Stu, blessings to you across the sea! LaT, I sure hope those who say "Do what I say, not what I do" really do what they say, or how can they expect anyone else to? lol Todd, if you and I had co-authored this, I would have insisted you include every one of your points. Thanks for offering some much needed clarifications bro! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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:) Good word Mike.
Your right there is too much teaching online. I get overwhelmed by it most of the time. A lot of times I feel like people love telling me what to do but abhor walking it through with me. It's a shame that as a Christian I have experienced less community than I did with the Pagans. Pagans knew that the only way the little ones would survive and learn would be through the showing and teaching of the elders. The connection is... I believe when you live in community the teaching aspect becomes alive. It turns into more than mere words but the Word. Community is the family unit of the Church, the Body, it is one part that the enemy works hard on keeping divided... "A kingdom divided will fall..."
Thanks for sharing Mike. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Awesome blog Mike, you are soooooooo right...
Don’t practice what you preach, preach what you practice. I thought this great sentence, so I saved it... Mike thank you for sharing, I love your heart for all us, to get the truth...
you always give us food for thought and that is good... keep it coming :)
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| September 03, 2008 |
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As children we look to our parents and we imitate. Are they right, wrong?? As children we do not know.
As one of God's children we look toward our Father and imitate. Jesus walked the walk. His teachings were followed up by his actions. As we talk the talk, we are mandated to walk the talk also...... The road is narrow and the walk is hard, but in order for others to actually see the Word they have to see us living by it. MY YOLK IS EASY says my Father and it is as long as we follow Him....
Good Word little brother... |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Greetings Dear Brother: Exceptionally true. It's just so much easier to dance around and sing onstage, stand behind the podium and spew out hollow meaningless words, sit behind a computer and blast out superficial inanities, nit pick this and that, bring the food to a picnic, sing the little rigid hymns with fellow lazy pseudo worshipers, and on and on. Many hearers. True Doers are few. Rare are those whose consumption of scripture feeds the spiritual hunger that translates into action in the real world. Behind many doors in your neighborhood, in your community, so many suffer without dignity, seek support and comfort where there is none, weep the tears of loss and failure, bedridden, dying, and full of despair. I know them well. Christianity: the spectator sport. Saddens me deeply. Get out of the false church of today and all its programs, services, activities, fund raising, etc. and get busy doing the Lord's real work in your everyday lives. Those in need are all around and most Christians do not even know they exist. Simplify Simplify. Simply Jesus.
Well done. JamesAD62
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Live Jesus. Be Church. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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My dear friend and brother Mike.
I congratulate you for writing on this topic. Many preachers say, "the Bible says this......." and "the Bible says that...." they never say, "Because the Bible says this ..... I am doing this". Therefore there is always a difference in what they practise and what they preach. This is exactly what the pharisees of Jesus' time were upto and He condemned them. Also He warned His disciples to be careful about them as quoted in Mar 8:15 And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
where the leaven of Pharisee means the double standards practised by the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod means the practise of the people in Administration and politics where they practise all kinds of ways to be in power. We need to introspect ourselves if they are applicable in our lives, our church in our ministry etc.
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Mike I had to comment on this blog! Awesome my feeling exactly.. Sometimes people get to much knowledge is just as dangerous (sometimes more) than none at all. Without the understanding of the knowledge it will get you no where fast. I for one am a "show me, dont just tell me gal" I dont want someone preaching scripture to me and saying the Word says this and that, I want you to tell me what and how that applys to me and share with me your testimony! I love the Scripture when it talks about the Cloud of witness in Hebrew!
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Jesus shared his testimony and with the Word we see so many awesome testimony..
I remember saying to a group of youth leaders when I was heading up the youth ministry "Are you willing to share the deepest darkest part of you that thing you have been carrying with you for all your life that no one else knows are you willing to share it with the Youth if it is going to bring them closer to God?" God has taken me through so many storms in my life not to keep them to myself but so that I may help someone else go through theirs!! That is the "sharing" we need to do!! Thank you Mike for sharing your Heart with us!!! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Great thoughts Mike,
You know, I would much rather read something that someone has "shared" from their heart about what God has done in their life or what He has shown them than to be "preached at". Above, somebody spoke of community. I agree with that. This site is about community...not about teaching. (that is my opinion) I want to hear about what God is doing in the lives of His People. That is how I learn the most!
Thanks for the post! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Great thoughts my dear friend and it sure can make you stop and think. I have learned about what it means to be a Christian and along with the scriptures while I am on this site. It was a great read my dear friend and it was great to see what comes from your heart. Be blessed always. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Val, you and I see eye to eye 100% on this. Thanks for the compliment! beautyforashes, I love your testimony (well, the redemption in it), and love what you said, "show me, dont just tell me", and "tell me what and how that applys to me". I see Christianity as the most applicable religion to life. No other religion (forgive the term) so emphasizes the application to everyday life, at least not as I see them. Rag, so glad you brought up the Pharisees. Those who expect us to heed their teaching w/o considering their life can appear arrogant as the Pharisees. Most unfortunate! Thanks Marilyn, you are so encouraging! James, thanks bro. We can lose sight of the world when we get too inward focused. Reminders are good! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Thanks Mary you (and your blogs) bless my heart. =) Hi Megan!! Thanks! Debora, very sobering. "people love telling me what to do but abhor walking it through with me." This grieves me. At least some who are busy teaching would do better to stop, find a person or two who is struggling with the truth in their life, and walk alongside them until they understand better. Shame so few have the time to do this. It's called mentorship, and it's less about shouting the truth than it is about living it...with others! Good post Debora, straight from your heart. One of the things I really appreciate about ya. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| The greatest teacher of all is JESUS....I choose to listen to His Words and not mans Words...I choose to watch how JESUS walked and talked..and do the same.....My confidence is not in my Pastor nor any other man for that matter.....If I keep my eyes on JESUS...and HIS WORDS....I shall not go astray ;o) |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Mike, thanks for this! I've been through a curriculum search lately and have noticed that there seems to be a significantly higher comfort level with teaching rather than sharing.
In fact, a few years ago we used a curriculum for one quarter that only worked if the teacher was willing to share. Oddly enough, the next quarter we went back to the status quo! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Mike ~ You know where I stand. Most of the blogs I write are about what God is doing in our lives ~ through our lives to change us ~ conform us to His imgage. I LOVE to share the work of His hands and intermingle scriputre that applies: Life application.
When it comes to reading someone elses's blogs, I notice that there are lots of different ways people can minister the love of God with excellence. Some choose to post or sen pictures, poems, songs, something significant in the news, mission trip journals, etc. but my favorites are the ones where they share something from their lives which glorifies God as He works in their lives.
I don't mind to be hear or to proclaim Truth that God lays on our hearts with regard to Scriptures either. I believe there is much to be gained from a healthy loving discussion of the Word of God, delivered with respect and humility.
God bless the meditations fo your heart, Mike. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Dan, GREAT points!!! PastorDan - pls clarify, who is more comfortable with teaching vs sharing? Small group participants? Yes, I suppose folks who join a small group but don't know anyone else, would prefer to let a speaker teach them rather than be drawn out into the open and speak themselves. I'd also venture that folks who are not practicing their religion with any self discipline would also prefer to be quiet and let someone else present another "teaching" that they can act on if so led. But folks I've talked to who are in a small group they really like indicate a preference for discussion. And given how much the folks in our group talk, that's the clear choice by all in our group. Well, most. There's always a quiet one in every bunch! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Tonya, your comment totally resonates w/me. I too love to share the work of his hands in my life, as well as the personal revelations he gives me from his word. God has taken me far, particularly in the last few years, and it excites me to share as well as to document it as we go along. If ever my writings aren't steeped in humility and respect for the reader, then I've gone way off base from what I intentionally set out to do. Tam, we are more blessed to do than talk about doing... or tell others to do! lol |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Mike, you have touched upon one of the most important concerns of being a Christian -- I think that it is the most important concern. How does a person know that what he or she knows (or thinks he or she knows) is actually true? This concern is historically known as epistemology. You are absolutely correct in lifting it up as you have.
But your answer is less than adequate. You have suggested that the most reliable test of truth is personal relationship, having a personal relationship with the person who is teaching the truth. Of course, this is true regarding those who truly know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. It is doubtful that anyone on MyChurch will disagree with this. But in terms of clarifying the issue of knowing which of two conflicting opinions is right or wrong, it doesn't help because both parties ususally claim to be regenerate, both parties marshall Jesus to bolster their argument.
The fact that I happen to live in the same town as someone else (my pastor), has absolutely no bearing upon whether or not that pastor teaches the truth of Scripture. Sure it might help me to inspect his fruit, to see how he lives. But there have been an awful lot of evangelical pastors who have been busted in one way or another, shown to not be walking the walk.
It is wise to try to determine whether a person actually lives by his or her own beliefs. Socrates, the homosexual Greek philosopher, said that to know the good is to do the good. Paul of Tarsus said, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15). Ghandi lived by his beliefs, but not being a Christian, what he taught about Jesus was at best only partially true. So, who is right? Socrates, Paul or Ghandi? Your answer suggests that if I knew one of these guys, I'd know the truth. Unlikely!
Another popular asnwer to this condrum is to agree to disagree. But an agreement that holds both sides of a disagreement to be true is no agreement at all. It is what is referred to in psychology as cognitive dissonance, holding two conflicting thoughts to be true at the same time. This is a common solution for those who really don't care about the issues, those for whom truth is just not that important. But it will not do for Christians. God does not expect us to be illogical.
You are correct in suggesting that life and doctrine go hand in hand, though it would be more correct to say that doctrine and life go hand in hand because our life behaviors issue from our beliefs (doctrine). In other words, what a person believes determines what he or she does. Another way to say it is that the best way to get our lives straight is to get our doctrine (beliefs) straight. That's why belief is such an important thing to Christians. Once doctrine (what the Bible teaches) is rightly understood, people don't need to be told how to live or how to apply various biblical truths. It is much more effective to teach people how to think right (getting doctrine right) than it is telling people how to live and what to do. Legalism is about telling people how to live and what to do. Liberty is knowing the truth, which sets us free, and freely living on the basis of that truth.
Of course people prefer to be told how to live and what to do because it makes life easier for them. Few people choose the more difficult route of learning how to think biblically. And understandably so, it's not an easy thing to do. For instance, you have noted how much biblical teaching there is online -- and there's a bunch! But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg! Don't forget about history. We aren't the first bunch who have fallen off the gospel train. That train has been chugging along for quite a while. So, the truth is that there is a whole lot of conflicting "Christian" teaching, so it is incumbent upon us to know how to rightly sort through it.
And again, you are right in suggesting that the proper emphasis needs to be on life, and only when life has pretty much been gotten right should a person think about teaching anything. That's why Scripture requires that elders be... well, old and experienced. Not that mere life experience leads to biblical wisdom, it most assuredly does not. There are a lot of old, confused people. And young people may well be right, but they have yet to be proven. The art is to spend a lot of time with the Lord. So, we need old and proven teachers. That's why history is so important. Every generation thinks that they are right. But it's the next generation that is able to confirm or disprove their teachings.
Christianity is an historical religion, partly because we confess that we believe what Christians have always believed -- the classic creeds. So, where our beliefs don't match up with the beliefs of those who have gone before us, with those who are in conformity with the solid doctrinal position of the creeds, we are likely to be wrong. And where Christians disagree with one another, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:13-17). |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Phil, thanks for your analysis!! I am sure that there is much I can learn from you, and believe it or not, reading your comment actually helped me understand what I wrote even better! (sounds odd, doesn't it?) If I may clarify, you said that I "have suggested that the most reliable test of truth is personal relationship". I don't believe I actually said that, and if so, then it was a typo b/c I certainly didn't intend to. But later you wrote "It is wise to try to determine whether a person actually lives by his or her own beliefs." That's closer to the message I intended! But then, didn't I say pretty much the exact same thing when I wrote "How significant is it when someone offers truths for me to live by, then I discover that they themselves conscientiously live by the very truths they’ve shared? That’s POWERFUL!!" i.e. a "teacher" who demonstrably lives what he/she teaches is far more powerful than a disembodied voice (or typed word) that insists they have the truth I need to heed. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Some Great Comments on this Here to go along a with a Great Blog.
I Like - Preach what You Practice. We all have the Gift of Sharing...let's use the Gift.
With a Sharing Concern for Aiding others. The impressions we leave behind, our steps,
our footprints our Legacy, what we should be leaving is a Trailblazed Heritage of God,
for all coming the same trail.
Lets Pave the Way. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Phil, if I may continue. You wrote, "Another popular asnwer to this condrum is to agree to disagree. But an agreement that holds both sides of a disagreement to be true is no agreement at all." But to agree to disagree does not "hold both sides to be true", as I understand it. Rather, this is a polite way to agree that neither person is willing to allow for the truth in the other's point of view, and to decide that maintaining friendship and unity is more important than slogging forward to truth, and the realization that one party is wrong. You also said "Christianity is an historical religion, partly because we confess that we believe what Christians have always believed -- the classic creeds. So, where our beliefs don't match up with the beliefs of those who have gone before us, with those who are in conformity with the solid doctrinal position of the creeds, we are likely to be wrong." I wholeheartedly agree, and am glad you pointed this out. It takes humility to accept truths discovered by others. I am always amazed at how quickly some throw away tradition, simply b/c it's traditional. LOL Let us sincerely examine tradition, b/c it is important to know why we believe what we do, but let's do so with humility and respect (Tonya's words), realizing that folks before us were as wise and God-fearing as we are, if not more so. I appreciate your input Phil. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Thanks Michael and amen! You said "what we should be leaving is a Trailblazed Heritage of God,
for all coming the same trail." This is in tune w/what Phil wrote, which I agree. Let's not arrogantly throw away truths discovered before we came along, thus wandering off the trail previously blazed. Our unique experiences w/God should be in complete harmony with those of our ancestral brothers and sisters! Yet God is infinite, and though we have much to learn from them, we can also learn anew ourselves! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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This was a great blog....you know I HATE being talked AT, but I love being drawn in. I don't care if your "story" is embarassing to you, or is to you a failure or a great sucess...the sharing of it helps me to learn, and isn't that what this is all about anyway? I mean it is to me....but who knows I could have totally missed the boat on that one, I often do...
I just came from a website that preached at women, tore at their experiences, and quoted scripture after scripture to tell them how to toe the line....drove me crazy and I was honestly glad to leave that "Christian" site.... |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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I know the site you're speaking of Lori, and I too, am glad to be gone. The dust shaken from my sandals!
This is a good blog Mike. And, as often your blogs do, it has me wondering, do I share enough? I like to think that I do. I am beginning to take more of a turn towards teaching but I only teach on those things that I have already applied to my life, or am at least attempting to apply. I do know that I am not at all afraid to speak openly about my life. It's a very vivid picture of how I once was lost but now I see.
Anyway, I'll be contemplating this for a while too. In the meantime, for lack of anything more substantial to share, I found this little poem and decided to post it:
Sharing is like the snow that falls.
It lays so beautiful
over mountains and fields.
Then it melts
and it brings new life. If there's no sharing,
life is barren and bleak
for love is sharing.
And if there's no love,
evil resides. Sharing is like the rain that falls.
It flows so beautiful
over the mountains and fields.
Then it sinks
and brings new life. If there's no sharing
life is futile and deprived
for trust is sharing
and if there's no trust,
atrophy resides. Dare to share
and leave the world
a better place
for living!
(Author Unknown) |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Phil & Mike,
I have been blessed by your discussion. I am deeply impressed by Phil's understanding of the Christian life: You do a very good job articulating the parts at the heart of this issue.
This brings to mind that there is a transformational movement by Focus on the Family which addresses this issue of "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" The Barna group tells us that only 12% of "born-again" believers have a "biblical worldview." This tells us that there is that there must also be a breakdown in the life.
In response to this problem FOTF created a very special study for the body of Christ which helps us understand and build a Biblical framework for Christan living.
I highly regard this effort to reach the body of Christ.
For more information go to: www.thetruthproject.org. They are holding a training conference this month all over the U.S.
You two would make geat leaders! ~God bless you for this exchange. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Mike -- Wonderful insite and way to teach the concept that you must be seeking God and the truth not just taking others words at face value, when you do not know what kind of person is giving the message or what the reason(s) they gave it. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Good, thoughful and encouraging, Mike. For myself, I believe in a personal "progressive revelation"; that is, I believe that God teaches me through Scripture, people, self awareness, etc., at a pace that only I can understand and apply. And each person learns at thier own pace. That doesn't mean that a person can't unlearn (or progress further) along the journey. I think that's why we get so many variants to doctrine from person to person and church to church. Even Paul's theology changed a bit from his earlier letters (predestination, etc.) to his later letters. So, I guess I can't rely on everyone's teachings to be correct, I rely on my relationship to God through Jesus. All the rest is detail.
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Mike, we can all see your walk precedes your talk brother!
Excellent post!
Tell your sweetie I said Hi! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Great blog Mike.. Imagine what an impact we could as Christians could make on this world if they saw on living out even half of what they have heard us preach over the years. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Great blog,Mike, Paul (my husband) tells me that when someone is teaching the bible, you should understand where he is coming from, it is not that complicated. If your not sure whether to believe someone or not, always back it up with looking in the Bible yourself. Toni <>< |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Just gonna sing a little diddy, hehehe
I'd rather see a sermon, than to hear one any day
I'd rather one would walk with me than merely point the way.
Actions speak much louder than all the words can say,
That's why I'd rather see a sermon, than to hear one any day
That's alllllllllll folks, hehehehehe |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| WOW! This was a lot to take in! By time I got to the end I forgot what the top was about! I am sure it was just the bees knees! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Cindy, lovely singing voice!
Patti Ma Hatti - the bees knees again? lol
Maureen, couldn't agree more!!!!!
Cher, thanks for your walk and your talk!
Ed - no doubt God uses many things at his disposal to teach us his truths. As for relying on your relationship w/Jesus, great words we would all do well to live by!
Thanks so much Kim. Amen, we should be like the Bereans, "they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Thanks for the poem Michael, and yes, you've shared a plenty since coming here, you are a trusted friend!
Lori, love the way you put that, "I HATE being talked AT, but I love being drawn in." Many teachers do just that, talk AT their audience. On this website sometimes you get the sense that the writer doesn't know you, care about you, care to know about you, or even know to care about you! They may even have a beautiful heart for God (given the beneft of doubt), but it comes across as arrogant. This is unfortunate! Thank you for your comment, sis. You write well! |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Why have you been silent Lara? 'cuz you've lacked fruit lately? Or b/c you see few around you bearing fruit? (just seeking clarification sis, thanks!) |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| Oh Lara....you bet. |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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| ps... I have soooo much respect for you, sister. :-) |
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| September 03, 2008 |
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Mike, I quite agree. Note to self: Share more; teach less. LOL. On the other hand, there is a balance. So, what is it? May I suggest that we need both teacher and sharer in a two step process? This is a good way to do an interactive Bible study, by the way.
1. First of all, when it comes to INTERPRETATION give me a teacher, someone who is educated in Greek, Hebrew and theology. Don't give me just anybody off the Internet and especially not most televangelists who don't have a clue about good theology.
2. When it comes to APPLICATION, then give me anybody with some good life experience who wants to share. Average people are not experts in what the Bible means, but they are wonderful experts on how it applies to their everyday lives and like you, I LOVE listening to stories about the lives of faithful Christians. |
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| September 04, 2008 |
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| Grant, I could not agree more. Thanks, that makes total sense to me!! |
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| September 04, 2008 |
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| I agree.. at times it can be overwhelming..all the different views! |
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| September 04, 2008 |
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| This is really, really good Mike. I have been burned by a previous "teacher" of the bible, who I thought really had his act together, and was leading his flock in the right direction...only for it to be discovered not long ago that he was carrying on an affair with another member in the church. We have to be very, very careful to live the words we speak. It is so easy for the devil to come in and throw us off track, if we are not keeping God right there beside us every step of the way. Very careful! |
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| September 04, 2008 |
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Just ran across this topic on someone else's blog. I think some things I shared there may be revelant here too yet going to try and summarize instead. Just sharing what has been on my heart regarding this topic. A perspective that has hopefully found some place in the larger picture of Jesus and his love.
I find that believers (and I include for I am fallible too) will tend to discard some good thing from God because it has previously not been seen in it's properly light. And everything needs to be ultimately be in, and seen in Jesus. He is our tester and measuring scale.
I love teaching. I love it. It's in my heart and it seems to flow through my veins. I can only pray that if I am unbalanced there that the Lord will balance me out. And He does. And the Lord is my ultimate teacher. I don't just swallow what another may share by way of teaching. No, I tend to generally chew and take it to the Lord to see what He will do with it. But that's me.
Teaching of itself is not the problem. It, like everything else, has been tainted by the fall. It needs to be reconcilled in Jesus.
I have been very blessed with the teaching others have shared. The Lord has used it to clarify some things for me and bring more light and balance. Yet He is our ultimate teacher so we need to allow Him to do the teaching deeper within, and if He doesn't, don't try and do the process ourselves. Allow Him to enlighten. One plants, one waters, yet it is God who makes the seed grow. He ultimately teaches yet He will also use others to share what He has taught them.
I have noticed a downward trend in the teaching department. It is probably one that needed to happen in order to put it in its proper place. Yet as with all things, we need to be cautious of possibly discarding what was never meant to be discarded but put in its proper place. And do know I am not saying that is done here. When I share I am often looking to paint something in a balanced view and may bring up something for the purpose of balance, not to say it is, or isn't being done.
I'll share something with me. As I have noticed this downward trend and I have tried to jump aboard you know and find that this teaching factor keeps flowing from me and it is almost like trying to stiffle a gift within me. I can't follow the trend. I've been bound before for listening to others voices before God's and what He has laid on my heart. I love teachings and I love to share what He has taught me. I don't force it on others and constantly remind them that I don't know it all and only see in part. That I may have some things wrong and thay need to seek the ultimate Teacher and allow Him to show and lead them as He sees fit.
And this is often what I see as being the main thing of teaching, pointing others to Jesus and helping them learn and grow in listening to his voice first and foremost in our lives. He is the Good Sheperd that knows how to lead His sheep. His sheep have been equipped to be able to hear his voice for themselves.
So we don't block the light of the Son. We are like that smaller light on that first Christmas Day, the northern star, pointing the way to Jesus.
Anyway, thanks for your time and patience. So much for short.
Love ya and I do hear what you are saying. I do.
Thank you for sharing this and see much of it revelant today.
Whether to the right, or left, or even that middle ground, it needs to find its home in that higher plane of Jesus and his love.
Love in Him,
I
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| September 04, 2008 |
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Deb, how unfortunate!! Tends to invalidate much that they teach, doesn't it? (at least in the listener's mind)
Amen Angela! That was no small inspiration to this blog!
Captivated, wow, thanks! Great thoughts! I agree w/most, maybe all. Appreciate the time you took to "share", ;-) |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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| Mike, The problem with the agreeing to disagree option is that it shuts down discussion of the truth. Both parties admit to being entrenched in their position and not willing to change. Of course, change for the sake of change is nonsense. But being willing to be changed by the truth is always the right thing to do. So, when we agree to stop the discussion, we are settling for a lesser truth because a genuine concern for the truth will always give way to a greater truth. We have to be willing to admit that we have something wrong, and that is usually the rub -- pride. People don't like being shown that they are wrong.
A better attitude would be the willingness to change, like Luther at Worms who said something like, "I may be wrong. And if I am, show me by Scripture exactly where I'm wrong and I'll change my mind. But if you can't do that, then here I stand." They didn't because they couldn't. He said, let me know where I'm wrong so I can be more right. Why do I/we want to be right? Because getting things right gets us closer to God, whom we love. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Phil, we will have to agree to disagree, b/c I won't budge! (lol, JUST KIDDING!!) Good points, I agree wholeheartedly, especially "getting things right gets us closer to God." Though it is possible to be right but in the wrong spirit, too. So being right, and setting others right, is not really our ultimate goal. Leading/drawing others toward Christ is! Sometimes that means displaying a humble spirit while sharing truth, being willing to walk away and let the truth sink in -- agreeing to disagree, for now. Like planting seeds, as Apollos did. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Greetings Dear Friends: Let's simplify this discussion: Simply Jesus. His Words. His Actions. His Behaviours. Model your Words, Actions, and Behaviours thusly. Now wasn't that easy? Man has a way of over-complicating... everything. Get back to the simplicity of Jesus. Today! : ) JamesAD62
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Live Jesus. Be Church. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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James, you've definitely simplified everything! Then we should reject every teacher who complicates the gospel beyond that, LOL!!
Just kidding of course....I love your comment, and simplicity is good! Sin complicates everything, doesn't it???? |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Greetings Awesome Mike: Let's see - 32,000 "Christian" denominations, over 1,000 Bible versions, every type of "Church" and "sect" imaginable, and on and on. I'd say we have a little problem here, Biblically and Spiritually speaking. Do you think that is what Jesus wanted? Clearly no. Can you say Babel? "We are glorifying not God, but Man. We are trying to "make a name for ourselves". JamesAD62
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Live Jesus. Be Church. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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James dear brother! I have a slightly different take:
32,000 denominations? Denominations are good!
Is the Church in crisis? No way!
1,000 bible translations? No problem, his words of life live on!
Yes, those are links to blogs I've written in the past to counter the discouraging reports that the modern church is irreparably damaged. It seems there is little doubt that many in the church are headed the wrong way, but the church will live on, and continues to be the beautiful bride of Christ. I AGREE with you James, simplicity is admirable and preferable to unnecessary complication. I just don't see the picture as bleak. God bless you my friend, THANK YOU for your care!! |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Greetings Awesome Mike: Thus the rape, exploitation, and dilution of Jesus by man continues. There will certainly be a price to pay for supporting the erroneous un-Biblical postition of denominationalism and the separation of Believers through man's concerted efforts and self importance. That price can already be seen in so many ways today. Of course this was predicted by Jesus early on so no surprises really. There is only One Jesus the Christ and He is the only One to follow. Your Brother and Friend, JamesAD62
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Live Jesus. Be Church. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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| Thanks for your perspective, James. The true church is made up of many different perspectives. I'm blessed that you've shared yours with me. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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| yep, still like this blog |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Greetings Amazing Mike and all of our Beautiful Brothers and Sisters: I would offer that the True Church is made up of only One perspective: Jesus Christ. Thank you for hosting this important conversation! JamesAD62
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Live Jesus. Be Church. |
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| September 05, 2008 |
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Mike...
I'm to share more of myself. I've got blogging to do.
Your sister in Christ,
Joey |
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| September 06, 2008 |
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That's a new take on the blog, Pastor Tim. Excellent! (& thanks!)
I think I read that blog, Sister Joey! |
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| September 07, 2008 |
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| Mike - Another really good post! Actions definitely speak louder than words and the Bible even declares that we should be 'epistles read of men.' MyChurch writers and readers are at somewhat of a disadvantage in that we can only go by the written word. I'm thinking the key here is discernment. My prayer would be that the motives of those who choose to express their opinions in this venue would have the same motives as David did in Psalm 19. "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." <>< |
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| September 07, 2008 |
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| Great comment Linda, love your input!! |
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