Too many times we get caught up in what we believe to be absolute, uncorrectable truth. There is no way that anything anyone else, no matter who they are, how long they’ve believed, or what good advice they’ve given in the past, could possibly be useful information if it doesn’t fit in our current grid of understanding. Are we so arrogant and haughty to actually walk in this mindset? Where along our walk were we given a document of authentication stating that what we believe we have received is perfect and pure truth with no room left to learn and grow? I’ve never received such a document from Christ, an angel, or any servant of God, have you?
Along with this, where along that path did we receive walking orders to preach a specific revelation to everyone, regardless of where they are at, or without God confirming for us to share with them at that time? Shoving doctrine down someone’s throat that isn’t ready for it, which may confuse them, is like taking their faith from them all together; it messes them up!
Why all of these loaded questions? Why can’t we just run around telling everyone everything all of the time? For love of others! And for our own sakes, as later we receive fuller revelation and have to back track, or swallow pride and ask forgiveness.
Too many times I’ve been fully sure of something I believed. I knew it was from God, I knew He showed it to me, what to do with it, and I felt I should share it, with everyone, everywhere, and stick to it no matter what. 9 out of 10 times I was in that place of absolute certainty, I was later shown more of the puzzle, and I had to go back and rebuild burnt bridges. I had to apologize and ask forgiveness for pride and arrogance for trying to make others believe and follow like I did. Why didn’t I just get everything right the first time? Why didn’t God show me all of it immediately? If for no other reason than to show me how to deal with pride, and humble myself, and love others as myself, it’s enough.
So much revelation of the Kingdom of God is being poured out daily to many, but how are we delivering it to others? Are we approaching the people we are to love with a mindset and attitude that what they know is all wrong, and they must accept what we believe, which is completely right? Or are we presenting something when and how the Spirit is leading, and leaving it up to the Holy Spirit to work it into the hearts and minds of others? We are told to plant seeds, why then would we ever assume we could take over the whole process and make that seed immediately take root, and grow into fruitfulness? The Holy Spirit has always tended to and cultivated the seeds planted in my heart, so as to make me aware of it, and let me learn everything I could from it; shouldn’t we expect the same for others in Christ?
When at any point in your relationship with Christ did He brow beat you with an idea or revelation until you accepted it, argue with you until you gave in, or condemn you for being so foolish as to not see His truth? I’ve never experienced this from Him, but some of His kids have taken the liberty to do it for Him! I’ve done it myself. The point is to be more aware of it, to guard our tongues and our hearts against one another. No matter how foolish another in Christ may seem or be acting, love them! Present them with what you believe to be the truth, if you feel so inspired by the Holy Spirit, so they may receive in love, so that your relationship remains intact whether they get it now or not.
“Oh no, they’ve rejected everything you’ve shared with them!” So what! God can take care of Himself and His work. He can work on their hearts and minds, but you can’t. Let God have them and the entire situation, and just love everyone! Getting angry or upset with the individual and expressing such in retaliation, all because they wouldn’t accept what you presented, takes Jesus right out, brings the dead flesh right in, and messes the whole thing up!
At some point in time, you’ll see a hole in your doctrine, just like you see in everyone else’s, or one will be pointed out to you. When it happened to me I wanted the grace for it that I hadn’t previously extended to other people, and now I’m learning how to extend that grace outward. Thank God for hard lessons learned, for what He’s doing today, and that He loves us through it all!
- Edited by David Spencer
July 17th, 2010 - 11:53 am
Awesome insight! Thanks for sharing
HalleluYah. The gospel never needs our defense, seems only doctrines do. hmmmm
blessings and love,
Tamar