Bible Discussion Thread

Avoiding idolatry

When it comes to our daily walk with God; it is helpful to have those who are more mature in the faith to guide and disciple us.

Those who have exhibited fruit in their lives through long term evidence involved in the ministry; whether leaders in the church or other acquaintances who are laypersons may not matter. Paul states "imitate me" in 1 Cor. 11:1 (easy to memorize with that identifier).

We do well to realize; without being cynical that everyone is subject to Christ and on this side of heaven capable of sin. This means we have to be careful not to put someone on a pedestal whether it be a spouse; or a Pastor. The first issue is whether we are truly desiring to emulate someone because of a personality trait or a genuine spiritual gift. The second; related to the first is if the gift has more significance either to us or the person in question as compared to the "author and finisher of our faith" Christ Himself. ( Heb. 12:2). We need to look through spiritual eyes and not always focus on who speaks the loudest or most eloquently; or makes the rules; etc. Of course we need not to obsess on someone who is physically attractive and all the related desires of the flesh that seek to undo us. Just take one look at the Christian "music industry" to see how clearly that is evident with the appearance of celebrities in all their glitz and glamour.

We need to see objectively how much of our time we spend in church activities along with the rest of our time is really helping us to do the things required of God; namely fulfilling the Great Commission; prayer and meditation on the scriptures. I have stated in previous posts that it is remarkable how much time believers tend to spend socializing when in fellowship and how little discussing answered prayers and scriptural promises fulfilled in their lives due to God's faithfulness. I am convinced this is one of Satan's best kept secrets and ties in with verses such as 2 Timothy 3:5.

In musical circles; oftentimes the dumbing down to fit the cookie cutter repeated musical themes twice; a brief refrain; quiet and finale of nebulous spiritual consistency is just as much an issue. What is showed off usually is everything BUT musical talent (glamour; glitz; hypnotic repetition; endless shallow romantic love themes indistinguishable from worldly desire). This underplaying also offends God where we are to put the best expression into our musical gifts for His glory. Those who are gifted musically that I tend to obsess on oftentimes are not Christians; but with acoustic or folk music genres I can perhaps safely listen and appreciate them for musical talent without idolizing them. In this style music old "spirituals" are often sung here and there that have more Biblical content than those the Christian industry is pandering (ok that's it for that rant).

Those who espouse lies are coming out it seems; the truth always reveals itself. Truth be told as I have stated elsewhere there always has to be some truth with any effective lies or liars; and scripture still can prick hearts despite bad preachers. The general apostasy these days means that more than ever we can't put stock in any human being. Those who appear to have been in the faith and fall away ultimately aren't saved as I see scripture; but since we can't foresee these things (although the signs of bad fruit should awake our discerning souls) we need to be prepared as to not let a root of bitterness for instance tempt us to abandon the faith ourselves when other fall.

My belief is that lack of spiritual discernment is a primary issue here. How else can demonic spiritual manifestations and doctrines be so readily accepted? Either choosing to believe any manifestation as being from God or not believe at all in the miraculous end up being two extremes we can fall into. As Ecclesiastes states weeping is better than laughter for the soul; and fear of God the beginning of wisdom.

Hi Richard,

You hit the nail when you said. "we need to look through spiritual eyes and not always focus on who speaks the loudest or most eloquently or makes the rules."

I must admit that it is very hard to distinguish between personality traits and spiritual gifts. Today, the church has borrowed some worldly principles, qualities, and traits instead of relying on spiritual gifts. So many so-called Christian leaders and "celebrities" are not even born again, but they are able to hide behind their natural talents and play an influent role in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it is hard sometimes to distinguish between them.