"It's not about what you believe, it's about being kind to others, and loving others" ... is just one of
so many ideas floating out there that are so misleading, and moving people away from the truth!
"
Deeds not creeds" is the once again popular idiom. One that was popular around the time of the early American puritans. It has come around again to try and persuade us that doctrine doesn't really matter.
What are we to do with SO much error out there, and how are we to respond as believers in Christ, and confessors of the Word?
This statement above 'deeds not creeds' (which is actually a creed itself) completely leaves out two huge questions. One, of a persons final, and eternal zip code. It assumes that '
ALL that matters truly, is this life right here, and right now.' completely ignoring a persons eternal destiny.
Also it makes the ancient assumption that if you're a good person, you'll be treated "fairly." and end up in some kind of a heaven.
I remember a recent "Christian Movie" that I saw, about a Pastor who was both very moved in heart for his recently acquired congregation, and it's people. At the same time, up against the proverbial rock and hard place, of facing the seemingly unavoidable task of closing down the whole church because of costs. He was having a little heart to heart talk with his older son about it, and the son asked... "Dad, what are we going to do now?" to which the Pastor, and father replied "...
well son, all we can do, is pray for God's help." to which his son retorted... "
I thought you were God's help.?". And when the pastor heard his son say that, the look on his face was that of surprise, and a little knowing smile grew on the pastor's face, to insinuate that his son was correct, that he, the pastor was 'God's help' At first take, it does sound right, and it does have the sound of wisdom. I'll admit myself, that I was taken with the witty comeback. "ZING, he gotchya there Dad." I said to myself. The son was saying that we should be able to solve our own problems. That God has given us a mind, and arms, and legs, and a creative imagination to help us. The more I thought about it, this (like the original deception in the garden of Eden by a snake) has a speck of truth. God does give us abilities, and we are to use them. But certainly, we are not to confuse the help of the Almighty, for our feeble arms and legs, and "desperately wicked" hearts.
The young boy's comment, would lead us to the thought ...not pray to God for help.
That there isn't really any need to pray. Instead we should just figure out our issues, and work to solve them. "
deeds not creeds". Again ignoring eternal destiny, and focusing on this world view with only this single vantage point. Reminds me of the word 'secular' which when translated from the ancient Latin means "this world" or "this age".
The movie was based on a true story, and they did save the church, and had to work hard at it. But I come back to the message. What is it saying? 'It's up to us to save ourselves.' ...Which is not the Gospel of Christ at all.
The Holy Bible is replete with testimonies of the faithful, calling on the Lord for help. Calling on God to 'blot out my transgression' and all kinds of pleas for mercy, and grace! Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament, when the armies were surrounding him and his little army. He was outnumbered, he was sure to fail. But he waited, prayed, and said "Lord, our eyes are on you." And the Lord delivered him, by Himself. Defeating the powerful and encroaching armies. The victory was the Lords!
The bottom line is this, there is a God, and He has not remained silent. We have a God who has spoken! Thanks be to God. And that fact, is where the road splits. Splits into those who would hear the Word of God, and those who would prefer not to. We should hear and heed His Word! The powerful, and creative Word of God comes to us in paper and ink. It is His creative Word, not just information on a page. It's called His creative Word, because His Word creates faith. Also through the preaching, and speaking of His Word.
Nuclear Physicist Andrei Sakharov began his work in the Soviet Union, and became known as the "father of the hydrogen bomb" said this.
"I've always thought that the most powerful weapon in the world was the bomb and that's why I gave it to my people, but I've come to the conclusion that the most powerful weapon in the world is not the bomb but it's the truth" - Andrei Sakharov
Winston Churchill was once quoted as saying something very similar...
"The most valuable thing in the world, is the truth. So valuable, that it is often hidden by a bodyguard of lies." - Winston Churchill
Loving our neighbors, and being kind is for certain something we are called to do in Scripture. However that is not all. We are called to walk in the truth. For that is often the kindest thing we can do, is to give our neighbor the truth, in a loving way of course.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. - 1 John 1:6
"For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 1:3-4
The thing we can and must do, as believers, and confessors of the Word of Christ, is to simply rest in, and stand on the Word of God! With love and compassion, in the "Spirit of truth" Stand firm on His Word of Law, and Gospel!
Thanks be to God!
