There are many issues the Church debates over and I simply thought that no one side was necessarily right because, how could that many people be deceived? So, I concluded that both sides were right or perhaps both were partly wrong, but never really sought an answer because, I did think it really mattered or that there was one. This line of thinking falls under the concept of relativism. Of course, this is exactly where Satan would have me to be, blinded to the truth. The truth is powerful and the truth sets us free but, we first have to seek it.
Many of the issues and debates that exist within the body of Christ, do have a right side and a wrong side. There are that many people that are deceived, at least for a short while. I was deceived and I know I still am in many ways. God has to constantly open my eyes to new truths each day, that, once revealed seem so simple and plain, yet took the Holy Spirit working on me day and night. Now, I am not saying that I know which side is right or wrong in every case, or even in most, but simply that we shouldn’t be so quick to decide both are right or both are wrong. Instead, we might say, “I don’t know.” Then seek out the truth so that we can better glorify our Lord and Savior.
There is a downside to all of this, however, and that is loneliness and criticism. The path is much safer and smoother if we don’t pick a side and stand firm in our convictions, but it is not deserving or fitting of our Lord. I am coming to believe that the more my views change and are criticized, the closer I am to knowing the truth. Matthew 5:11-12 says, “‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” While I am not being personally attacked or persecuted at present, it is clear that there are many, who do not know me, yet are against me. I say this because I have read many blogs and comments and I like to listen to people talk. It is clear that it is hardly ever about the individual, but rather the convictions the individual has. Thus anyone with the same convictions is thought of in the same manner. (Perhaps, this is why we are to think before we speak? Our words can affect more people than we probably ever intended them to.)
Psalm 55:12-14, says, “For it is not an enemy who taunts me- then I could bear it;… But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng.” These “familiar friends” are in our churches, are opposing the truth, and deceiving many who in turn deceive others unknowingly. No wonder, Jesus said in Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Do not lose hope, my friend, seek God and he will give you all spiritual wisdom and understanding. The key is to seek Him and not others.
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