Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 7, 2010
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:14
There comes a time that an individual Christian is led by the Lord to leave their church, because their church has left their convictions in Christ’s teachings. Sadly, there are times that a Christian congregation is led by the Lord to leave their denomination, because their denomination has left their belief in the Bible. Staying is a sin, if the Lord leads to leave.
Why is it important for us to separate ourselves from false teachers who are offended by the truth of Jesus’ teaching? One major reason is this path of apostasy leads to spiritual death. Do you want to follow a shepherd who denies the deity of the Great Shepherd Jesus? Do you want to associate with a church that denies that Jesus is coming back for His bride the church? Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands.
“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21).
Christianity is not a menu of beliefs that is itemized and selected, only as it fits into the mainstream acceptance of the culture. On the contrary, Christianity is meant to transform the culture with its conviction in Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection to give us His life—all by grace through faith. Spiritual guides that define God in their trivial terms are blind and lead other blind followers into a pit of pride and eternal entrapment.
If you are hiking rough terrain is it be wise and responsible to follow a knowledgeable, well spoken, but blind folded guide? Of course not, neither do you blindly follow a spiritual leader, church or denomination that can’t see spiritually, because of their blind-fold of unbelief. You leave them because you love them too much to stay, and you pray by leaving that you can one day lead them into the light of spiritual sight.
Lastly—leave well—not maliciously but motivated by loving malcontent. Transition out in the Holy Spirit’s strength seasoned with a life of grace and humility. Make your leaving an illustration of why you are not staying—faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Leaving is not easy, but leaving as the Lord leads opens up eternal opportunities.
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
How will my leaving affect the faith of my family and friends? Is love my motivation?
Related Readings: Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-23; Matthew 23:16-24; 1 Peter 5:2-4
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I 100 % agree with your narrative on this interpretation of scripture. Today there are millions of people searching for the 1st century full Gospel connection to Jesus Christ(Yahushua Ha Mashiach). Many people are leaving the mainstream church. Some are finding what they need to support their faith presuppositions, while others are ending up in the awaiting arms of religious mind control cults who just complain about the “traditional church” mixed paganism and failures instead of seeking God with intergrity and making appropriate changes to their own walk. My prayers are for those seeking the heart of God’s will for their personal life.
Assessing your option to leave a Christian community and the motivation is important…However, the correct name for the New Covenant beleivers is not the word: church, but “called out ones” ekklesia or Kahal. In these End times, as we must listen to the Voice of God and obey His High Call to seperate from our sins and move closer to the image of His Son Jesus(Yahushua). This can cause the inner turmoil, but blessings in the end if we follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
May God also correct and remove the blind folds from the eyes of those Shepards, before they get judged like those ancient shepard of IsraEl.
Great blog post!!!
WOW!!! Finally someone can speak some truth here. You know it seems like so many people have used the excuse that we are not under the law to act and live how they feel justified to live. To live by grace is not to give us a license to do what we want, because we are bought with a price. Grace is one of the most beautiful and humble gifts I have ever received. And I must confess there are some days where I am hanging on to grace with my finger nails embeded, but I do not feel like I have the right to frustrate that grace either. We are a living example to the outside world, and a light to the people stuck in the darkness or who have lost their way. People think I don’t understand what grace is but I do. Jesus also said if you love Me you will keep my commandments, Be ye holy for I am Holy. I believe it was Paul who said Faith without works is dead. I will show you my faith by my works. We are called out to be a peculiar people. I get enough hassle from the world, why should it be coming from my own spiritual family? Thank You for this article it has been a wonderful read… Truly. I don’t feel so out of place now. This encourages me. I don’t judge anyone but I feel like I have to constantly explain myself to my sisters and brothers in Christ who are offended by how I live my life. I don’t force it on others I just try to live my life the best way I know how for the Lord. I know it is only what He has done for me and there is nothing I can add or take away from that but He has changed me for a reason. He leads me, He moves me, He teaches me, He instructs me, He loves me, and He inspires me. Thank You for the scripture. Please pray for me. We all need prayer. 1 Corinthians 16:24 / Luke 7:47-48