Christian Living

SPIRITUAL DEMOCRACY

by paul hoffmaster
04/23/17
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Some times we make rash decisions based on incomplete facts.  Nowhere is this more evident then with label wearing Christians.  To take Scripture out of its context to support preconceived notions serves not only as a deterrent to spiritual growth, but also a hindrance to those outside of the Faith.  To base our lives around flawed interpretations of the Word will be a point of ridicule from those of the world.  The Scriptures, correctly displayed, will serve as an “oasis” in a troubled world, while erroneous interpretations of the Word will turn people from the truth.  If the Church is going to function as God intended, we need to read the Scripture in the context of what it is actually saying.  Believers have a tendency to read into or take away from the Word, in order to meet their self-centered objectives.  Why do we make it so complicated?  God said what He meant and meant what He said.  We need to stop looking for hidden meanings that are supposedly camouflaged in the Scriptures.  Why is it so easy to believe the newspapers and so difficult to believe the straight offered truth of God’s Word?  Diversification of Believers is based on different interpretations of the Scriptures. 

 We live in a time where spiritual democracy has continued to expand the divide between man and God.  It seems more and more Christians are seeking the freedom to interpret the Bible in a manner that is acceptable to their lifestyle.  If a Scripture makes one uncomfortable, there is a tendency to modify its intent to justify one’s inconsistencies. 

 There are certain travel clubs that help you get to your destination by furnishing maps and brochures that highlight your route, as well as informing you of interesting stops along the way.  The Bible, in the same way, directs us to the “promised land,” while also highlighting the wonderful journey before us.  Some travelers use GPS devices that tell and show them the most direct and time saving route to take.  Sadly, some of these devices have been incorrect in their charting and have caused serious problems for the travelers.  God’s Word will never direct us down the wrong road.  The Bible is our guide book, with the Holy Spirit our illuminator.  We will never get lost in life’s journey if we just follow the mapped out route God has for us.  When we try to alter His Word and take short cuts, we will find our trip will be filled with struggles and heartaches. 

 Spiritual democracy exercises the freedom to interpret Scripture to one’s own understanding.  More and more Christians are exercising their personal freedom to live their lives outside of Divine interpretation.  They have become almost a god to themselves.  Scripture is being altered to fuel their personal generator.  The number of independent churches and Biblical translations validate the crisis the Church is facing today.

 When Jesus walked this earth, His greatest challenge was the organized religionist.  The Jewish leadership interpreted the Scripture to fit their personal life style.  One time, He told them they were not of God. (John 8:47)  Christians are people of the Book, but when we don’t display the true contents of the Word, we fall short of exhibiting the Kingdom.  The attacks against the Church are the result of Believers exhibiting a self-promoted interpretation of the Word.  The world laughs at Believers when it sees that their lives are no different than its own.  It would be better if Christians would take off their identity labels until they are ready to be a living example of God’s Word.  The Bible warns against being stumbling blocks to others; this applies not only to other Christians, but to non-Christians as well.

 It is time to return the Church to a Theocracy instead of a Democracy.  It is not what man decides, but what God declares.