Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 4, 2018
Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit. Matthew 15:14
There comes a time when an individual Christian is led by the Lord to leave his or her church because the church has left its conviction in Christ’s teachings. Sadly, there are times when a Christian congregation is led by the Lord to leave its denomination because the denomination has left its belief in the Bible. Staying is a sin if the Lord leads to leave.
Why is it important for us to separate ourselves from false teachers who are offended by the truth of Jesus’ teaching? One major reason is that this path of apostasy leads to spiritual death. Do you want to follow a shepherd who denies the deity of the Great Shepherd Jesus? Do you want to associate with a church that denies that Jesus is coming back for His bride—the church? Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands.
“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21).
Christianity is not a menu of beliefs that is itemized and selected only as it fits into the mainstream acceptance of the culture. On the contrary, Christianity is meant to transform the culture with its conviction in Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection to give us His life, all by grace through faith. Spiritual guides who define God in their trivial terms are blind and lead other blind followers into a pit of pride and eternal entrapment.
If you are hiking rough terrain, is it wise and responsible to follow a knowledgeable, well-spoken, but blindfolded guide? Of course it is not. Neither do you blindly follow a spiritual leader, church, or denomination that cannot see spiritually because of their blindfold of unbelief. You leave them because you love them too much to stay, and you pray that by leaving you can one day lead them into the light of spiritual sight.
Lastly, leave well, not maliciously but motivated by loving malcontent. Transition out in the Holy Spirit’s strength, seasoned with a life of grace and humility. Make your leaving an illustration of why you are not staying—faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Leaving is not easy, but leaving as the Lord leads opens up eternal opportunities.
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to leave if I need to leave and stay if I need to stay, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How will my leaving affect the faith of my family and friends? Is love my motivation?
Related Reading
Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1–23; Matthew 23:16–24; 1 Peter 5:2–4
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands. #WisdomHunters #courage
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