Apples of Gold

During my sophomore year of high school I was in an advanced class that focused on history and English. Our teacher was a confirmed atheist and his choice in literature often reflected that system of belief. I remember one assignment he gave us was to write an essay on the meaning of life. As a follower of Jesus the obvious direction for my writing focused on how apart from God there was no meaning in life. I was a bit trepidatious as I waited to see how he would react to a very pointed apologetic on salvation. This teacher surprised me by not only giving me a high grade, but also mentioning that I had given him a lot to think about. 

Had I grown up in the current age, I am quite certain the response would not have been as magnanimous. The ability to look critically at our own belief system, actions, and opinions is declining at warp factor 10!

There is somewhat of a crisis in the United States today in the area of reasoning and independent thinking. Most of our educational system teaches us to listen, learn, and repeat without questioning the accuracy of the information we are being presented. This explains the ability of the mainstream media to promote unsubstantiated claims-or even ones they know to be false-to an audience that simply listens, absorbs and repeats what they have heard. Critical thinking has become a lost art that is discouraged and those who engage in it are considered hateful and close-minded. It is dangerous and foolish to assume that if someone disagrees with our position they hate us or wish us harm. As this issue rises to a fever pitch within our social culture we must not fail to notice its presence within our churches. Listen, believe and repeat is not a healthy approach to formulating our theology. We find an example of a more effective approach in the book of Acts: 

That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:10-11

Those who regularly sit in the congregation at our church will hear one of the pastor’s from time to time encouraging them to check what they are hearing from us with the Scriptures. We all have every intent of carefully presenting the Word but recognize that we are fallible and must remain open to our own growth and correction-I mean if they were checking up on Paul…. Having a congregation keeping careful watch over what they are hearing is not a threat to your authority but rather a blessed gift that necessitates serious preparation and thoughtful communication.

What kind of hearers are we? Do we listen intently and run teaching, preaching- even the words we sing in worship-through the filter of God’s Word? Listen to the words of Jesus on this:

Then he added, Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given-and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. Mark 4:24-25

The responsibility for our spiritual growth lies with us. A pastor or teacher might do the hard work of preparation but the duty to examine the words for accuracy and carry out their application in our lives requires the same work and care from us. Each Sunday we might be presented a veritable feast, comparable to a complete Thanksgiving dinner-but if we only admire what is set before us and do not actually partake in the bounty, the impact will be temporary and unfulfilling. Spiritual maturity requires hard work and dedication. 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 3:15

Sloppy theology is dangerous. Our theology directs our day-to-day interactions with God and our understanding of who He is. A warped understanding of the relationship between God and man is a constant hazard to those who are unwilling to put the time and energy into properly dividing the Word of God. 

Are we paying attention? I mean really paying attention-not passive listening-merely allowing the words to slide in one ear and out the other without engaging our minds or touching our hearts? True Christianity is all about change; less of us and more of Christ, and this requires our full devotion and active engagement.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9