The teachings of Jesus Christ are meant to change our hearts and how we behave completely. It means stating our opinions without demeaning others or others demeaning us. It means agreeing to disagree without condemnation. While it is perfectly normal and natural to disagree with someone, that disagreement does not give license to belittle, disparage, mock, ridicule, snub, or sneer at the other person. Quite frankly those are immature responses. Last week, people who are regarded as FaceBook "friends" of a particular man (whose name I am purposely leaving out) teaches the Bible on Facebook using 10-minute videos. I was very interested in hearing, knowing, expanding, and learning all that I can so I befriended him weeks ago. His credentials are quite impressive: Studied at Texas Tech University, Dallas Bible College, he boasts of earning a Ph.D. at the Dallas Theological Seminary, etc. He's been on sabbaticals and written devotionals. I had offered an answer to a question he asked every reader: "Why did Jesus command Hosea to marry a prostitute?" Does anyone who is reading this blog know the answer before continuing?
I basically answered this, God said, 'For the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.' So, therefore, God simply wanted to provide an illustration of His relationship with the people of Israel, who had been unfaithful to Him by practicing idolatry." The response he wrote and published back on his page was, "You made a vital mistake in your answer. There are many mistakes that Christians make which form problems in Theology. That is another reason for understanding systematic theology and hermeneutics so that they all correlate. You should find a course in hermeneutics and take it." No other explanation was given. I was curious and questioned back, "Vital mistake? How so?" My answer to your question is what the Spirit has taught me through many years of asking, seeking, and learning. I may not have a theological degree, however, God said, 'But the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him' (1 John 2:27). I'm answering you from what God has taught me regarding His Word." What came next was a real shocker. And I quote, he said, "You are being presumptuous. You are assuming answers. If you do not want to take correction, then don't post on my timeline because some may read it and believe and act on what you said. You're thinking like a heretic. You are making erroneous guesses. The applications to your statements could lead one to serious and even death consequences. You need to get better trained before making dogmatic assertions. There are apologetics courses you can take that are very good. I will correct your answer today when I do another video." WHAT?? Anyone follow that?
In my opinion, God's illustration I was pointing to proves He wanted to show the greatness of His grace: “Even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods.” It is an illustration of God’s faithfulness to wayward Israel. Just as Gomer had been unfaithful to her husband and had to be redeemed in the book of Hosea, Israel needed God’s initiative to restore their relationship. The prophet Hosea was commanded to marry an unfaithful wife, and this set up a model of Israel’s broken relationship with God. Israel had been chosen and loved by God yet had been unfaithful to Him by way of idolatry. Just as Hosea redeemed his estranged wife and sought to continue his relationship with her, God promised to redeem Israel and renew their relationship with Him. The story of Hosea and Gomer is an unforgettable picture of God’s strong, unending love for His covenant people. What am I assuming? I'm thinking as a heretic? Again I reiterate, while it is perfectly normal and natural to disagree with someone, that disagreement does not give license to belittle, disparage, mock, ridicule, snub, or sneer at the other person. We will never grow as a church if there are those who usurp authority in that manner when someone is engaged and wanting to learn. Name-calling won't draw people. If anyone assumed anything I think the shoe belongs on the other foot!
No wonder James chapter 3 says it is very difficult to tame the tongue! This doesn't only refer to cursing, gossip, or lying. It can be done, but I wonder how many people even try anymore. How many count to 10 before responding with a biting remark? How many are willing to think before letting fly a disparaging remark? James hit the nail on the head: “With (the tongue) we bless the Lord and Father, and with it, we curse those who are made the likeness of God. This ought not to be so.” The words we use convey what is in our hearts — just as Jesus said. It is possible, but not right, for God’s people to manifest a haughty spirit. Someone who is haughty is arrogant and full of pride. When you're haughty, you have a big attitude and act like you're better than other people. A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others. Haughty people are disdainful, overbearing, prideful, swaggering, and obnoxious. This will cause them to be unloving and treat other people as if they are lesser humans. This happens mostly to those who are spiritually gifted, have theological degrees, are anointed, and have vast mental knowledge about the word of God. ‘Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.’ 1 Corinthians 8:1. Those who have a spirit of haughtiness will typically seek to compete with, put down or outshine others instead of trying to edify them or help them become better. This is what causes one to wonder about the hearts of those followers of Jesus who make disparaging, mocking, and ridiculing remarks. A gentle, quiet spirit would have worked much better. In my opinion, such spewing gives Jesus a bad reputation since his followers are supposed to represent Him. We need to reflect on how we respond to opinions that are different than ours. When necessary, nail your tongue!
Until He comes,
-Pat-
