Discernment
In many circles, internet and otherwise, discernment has become an end and not a means. If you are “orthodox”, and if you identify and call out heretics and the like, you consider yourself right with God and divinely endorsed. That is nothing more than doctrinal idolatry.
Let us not forget that it was none other than Peter who proclaimed publicly that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. But the narrative reveals Peter’s heart was far from Christ. He was doctrinally sound but still not right with God and divinely rebuked. I continue to find it strange and revealing that the discernment sites are not discerning the doctrinal compromises in Christian love, humility, and the rest of the Christ manifestations. But the greatest of these is love, not the Trinity, inerrancy, 24 hour creation day, doctrines of grace, stand on homosexuality, or pro-life position.
Pursuing the Christ starts with the truth about Him, but that is just the beginning of the journey.
“That I may know Him…” - The Apostle Paul
The word "know" is the same Greek word used in Matt.1:24-25
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Do we know the Christ in that kind of intimacy? Your doctrinal orthodoxy is foundational, but standing alone it is hollow and stark. And if your defense comes with more words of theology, then your defense arises from a keyboard and not an observable expression arising from the Daystar in your very being. If you desire to wear the moniker of “discerner” then you must do much more than arrange sentences; you must display a living manifestation of Jesus Himself, not just a written argument about Jesus.
You want to be a discerner?
Look deeply into a mirror; go ahead, discern.
Peter's proclamation came by revelation and not by doctrine. Also, God's greatest attribute is Holiness and from that springs forth HIS Love. If you cannot handle criticism which comes from having a public forum one should not speak publicly. If you are going to speak publicly then be prepared to be challenged and if found to be incorrect, repent! No one person has truth for we all see in a glass dimly and we all know in part. Godly love is not a touchy feely love that tolerates error to maintain pagan peace. Doctrine and sin will and should divide. 1 Corinthians 5 and 1 John attest to that. Either man up or move on! Following Christ is not a spectator sport nor is it for the faint of heart!
ReplyDeleteThe least traveled path labelled "discernment" is the o0ne labelled "self examination". And that is the prescient point; the discernment seems always aimed at others, and not at ourselves.
ReplyDeleteDiscernment that never includes the spiritual challenges and indictments of our own New Testament walks is nothing more than self righteous conscience salves.