Hi
In her song ‘I Remember Mama in a Happy Way’, Shirley Cesar speaks to when they played church as children. She spoke to countless cases of fake preaching; with her mother saying nothing; despite it being ‘sacrilegious’. Her mama’s attitude paid off, for one day the sermon took root in Shirley’s own heart. The rest, they say, is history. Had her mother chided her; we might never have been ministered to so powerfully.
May that ruminate as we ponder today’s Holy Nougat
“But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.”
Philippians 1:18 NLT
So it’s not that we don’t question someone’s motives mentally; rather it’s that we focus on the message. Are they preaching Christ or some other false doctrine – is our question. If the message is about Christ, pray it finds resonance in the right heart. If not Christ-centered, that’s fine too – it’s interfaith conversation; no need for war.
When the messenger is flawed; or is otherwise motivated (and there seems to be many such), our better recourse ought to be prayer. In so doing, if the person has genuinely ‘strayed’, s/he may become convicted and repent. According to God’s agenda.
If the person is harming others in the name of Jesus; that’s a different matter. That’s when the authorities come into play; and usually that’s beyond our jurisdiction.
Ironically; we often question the motives of distant persons; but when it’s our own, we neither critique nor pray. Not in most cases. But we resolve to do differently in the future eh.
And finally; as pure as we consider them, let us check our hearts. Lest we are misleading ourselves or others. For, just as we/others discern selfishness or other issues at the root of our actions; so it is that our actions may be held suspect; regardless of what we do. Before we get huffy and offended; we might be better served by ensuring it is well with our own souls.
We are indeed living in serious times. It calls first for prayer before we jump to accusations.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
