Hi, a friend of mine recently read me this quoted passage from a book that was read by his entire eldership team a few years back.
I thought it was incredibly relevant and well worth sharing.
The book is "Miracle workers, Reformers, and The New Mystics" by John Crowder
"The reason nearly evey move of God tends to stagnate, is because it judges the last move of God. We become what we judge. If we judge religious people and hypocrites , we eventually become religious hypocrites. Never critisize the old wine skin, just let it be. The wine itself will burst the old jug. And and it will eventually burst yours. There is no quicker way into bondage than falling into spiritual pride and thinking we are on the cutting edge of what God is doing. That we have somehow ascended beyond where the old order got stuck. First of all, we dont know all that the old order had to put up with, and what spiritual ground they broke through on our behalf.
It is important not to adopt a rebellious spirit, and to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Yes, religion is a foul thing. But religious people are often just wounded Christians seeking identity and comfort in the wrong places. To criticize the old guard is often a sign that we are still operating out of rejection, and somehow needing their affirmation rather than the Lord's. Truly mature Christians, who have overcome insecurity, will see people beyond the veil of their religious bondage and empathize with the hurts that landed them there."
One thing we should all be very careful of is to not become so "Anti" something that we forget about being "Pro" the thing God has actually called us to. This, I believe is to have an "anti religious, religious spirit", and is very easy to partner with and equally harmful to the Body. It will continue to keep your eyes predominantly off Jesus and His finished work and rather get you predominantly stuck in dry theology and pointless arguments against fellow Christians.
Those who believe and share the Truth/Revelation of the Gospel that is being understood across the planet in these days, that carries with it transforming Glory to set even the most bound-up captives free, will certainly become the targets of this trap. If satan can get you to fight and argue with fellow believers, then what you know becomes ineffective against his kingdom.
Am I saying, don't share and discuss the Gospel with fellow Christians who dont yet see things the way you have come to? Certainly not. But, if your peace does not rest with them, and they are scuffing dirt and making a mockery of the Good News, then shake the dirt off your shoes of peace and move on - finished! (Perhaps at a later stage try again).
It is so important for us to not get distracted away from the simplicity of the Gospel. Dont get sucked into never ending debates with people that are clearly not interested in changing their view. Their are by far, more that are waiting to encounter the reality of Jesus through the Gospel of Grace than those that satan would use to suck up your time in vain distraction.
Keep His Love Flowing
God Blessed you
Andrew
