Deceived, Lovingly [31 Days]

When you teach school, especially English in the upper grades, it’s like you’re on high-alert for things like plagiarism, and order-or logical thought in the written presentation.  The (many) times I was given a paper to grade that wasn’t written in context of one thing or another (the assignment, the topic, the presentation), I had to tell my student that this wasn’t acceptable because although separately these things might make sense, the way they were put together and presented did not.  Sometimes it was no small thing for them to understand that the information had to be both accurate in word and  in order. Like misplaced or omitted punctuation, piecing together things that weren’t meant to be together changed everything, and not with integrity. It’s not an easy message to share, and I am ok with standing alone if need be, and I’d imagine my inbox won’t be filled with flowers and chocolates 😉  but it’s one that needs to be voiced and considered by those whose hearts are longing to know Christ.

Standing outside by my car after a long night of inservice, I remember once having a discussion with our pastor and principal regarding school, students, classes and the like. While referring to the way I handled my work and the people I worked with he said, “You’ve always been a seeker of truth.”

That statement was unusual in the way that it was at once both heavy and uplifting.  In itself, it was a hard truth. Life, in many situations and times, would have been (and be) so much simpler and easy going if I just would let things go that others don’t give a second thought to. But it’s not like I dissect every word; I don’t. However, it’s not uncommon for words to strike me as curious.  Curious in the weight of scales and balances of THE Truth vs Presented  truth.

I have piles of Bible Studies I bought based on their description, but once I dug in and started them, the Spirit didn’t give me freedom in what was written on the pages. So off on what could be considered a rabbit trail of sorts I’d go. Again, seeking the truth from God’s Word. His whole Word, not just a verse pulled out here and there. That is a red-flag to me. Very rarely can you take a single verse and have it stand alone, unless, of course, you’re having it meet your own food-for-thought.   (If you’re reading this and were part of my youth ministries of the past, you might realize that it was always just the Bible Troy and I used as our guide to discipleship and study. I’m so thankful to have had this in my life for so long and to learn from the Lord’s words what IS -and is not- truth.) It’s not just one popular author who falters on theology and scatters Scripture to make it say what SHE is saying –with a loving smile and all-no, we’re getting this more and more. Christian women are being deceived, lovingly, and they don’t even know it!

My heart sank as I read the words from a younger sister in Christ in reference to a group Bible study we were doing in a group together, she went on to explain her perspective,  “…so we don’t need anyone teaching us or telling us anything…”   Crazy! Doing a Bible study with older women who have grown in Christ over the years, and she wanted to be sure there would be no teaching  to her about  God  or His ways in our lives as Christian women.  Is there a place to learn from those women who have intentionally built their lives in Christ, who are seeking Him and walking with Him? I think  the answer is a resounding YES!  (Titus 2:3-5)  It was the first time I had seen such a strong rebelliousness in the heart of a grown woman.  The thing that hurt my heart the most was that here again was a woman who said she knew the Lord yet had not made it a practice in her own life to KNOW.  There she stood without any, or with very little, depth to the foundation of Christ, the Gospel and the Word.

We live in a world where Christian music overtakes the Bible as truth. As recently as this week I heard someone refer to music lyrics as something to be held in line with what God’s spirit penned. She didn’t even realize it!  Christian authors paint beautiful pictures fancied with all the prim and proper of what sounds good to our ears and is acceptable socially. Speakers are pretty to look at a a delight to hear. Parts of what they say -and say in a way that’s so easy to listen to and very easy to stand along side with-we’ve heard in sermons or read in scriptures–parts, and there enlies the problem.  We don’t know God’s Word enough to decipher which is which, and those of us who do are screaming on the inside: THAT’S NOT TRUTH.

In a most basic platform, it’s quite simple.  Like a paper written from an disorderly high school student, some of these highly favored Bible study author/speakers are taking things out of context-at times, right from the beginning of each segment.  When you see someone present God’s Word coupled with their thoughts, especially if they’ve isolated a verse here and a verse there, go read it in context. Who is it written to, what is it really about, and what’s the context?  Yes, that’s what that verse says and that’s even what that other verse says over there, but what is concluded her is…out of context, deceived lovingly. Simple stuff.  Most scripture is written in passages, go read them. Scripture supports scripture!  While this is a warning to those who are not solid in their theology and who twist scripture to make their point, there are great women authors who have studied God’s Word and who write Bible study guides wisely and well.  They might be low on bells and whistles, but it is real, solid truth where they’re concerned. One such author is Kay Arthur.  And there are others.

Now, remember that stack of Bible studies I referred to earlier? They’re in a discard pile. We’re on a slippery slope, Sisters. To know the Lord, to know His Word,  we have to be walking with no known sin in our lives and hearts,  in communion with Him through His Word  and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. In the meantime, wait on Him.

Romans 16: 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.  18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.…