Lulled Straight to Apostasy

I’ve noticed that there is a spirit that has gradually crept into the church, a spirit not of God. It comes from our enemy via culture and it has the potential to destroy the church. It is evident in the conversation around “criticism.”

Have you been around a critical person in the church? Have you ever said or even thought to yourself, “That person has a critical spirit?” Or maybe you think, “He is so dark.” You know the type of person I’m talking about. They are the ones that always manage to see what is wrong or what is broken and needs to be fixed. And it’s not enough to see it. They feel compelled to tell others, maybe even demanding that changes be made. And you’re thinking, “Why doesn’t she just meditate on Philippians 4:4-8?”

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. Philippians 4:4-8

Well, sorry to step on your toes (maybe not – maybe it’s the way to startle you out of the spell you’re under), but this is a total misapplication of this passage based upon a misunderstanding. The admonition to focus on good things does not mean to ignore the things that are not good. This is not a passage that can be whipped out of your back pocket any time someone is pointing out a perceived problem in the church. In context, it is clear that Paul is saying that your sense of peace should be based upon the Lord, His sovereignty and His provision, not by denying what is not good. Granted, there are complainers in every church, but I’m not speaking of those folks. I’m talking about the ones who are God’s special gift to you.

Don’t believe that God gives churches people with such a message? Well then you probably have a really hard time dealing with all of the prophetic voices of judgment that are found in Scripture, maybe even the very words of Christ. You see, there is a call running throughout the Bible, a call to return to the Lord or there will be serious consequences. And that call includes a clear description of the spiritual condition of God’s people. I’ll admit that sometimes when I read those passages I wonder, “Isn’t God or the prophet exaggerating this a bit, using hyperbole to make a point?” And there’s no doubt that hyperbole is used in the Bible. However, predominately the Lord is revealing an accurate picture of the hearts of His people during prophetic pronouncements.

So, what happens to the prophetic voice today? Well, the prophet isn’t sawn in two or thrown in a cistern (maybe figuratively but not actually, though some might like to). More likely the prophet is discounted as being negative or critical or dark. He is told to look at all the good things that are happening. In extreme cases, he is told that good things will happen if you just visualize them and speak them into existence. And the question that should be on everyone’s mind should be: If the Lord has given the church the gift of prophets so that we might remain faithful and true to Him and His calling (Ephesians 4:11-13), what will be the consequence for those who reject the prophet and his message? Looking at the totality of Scripture, I’d say that the future looks bleak for those communities.

But it’s too easy to generalize this and make it about “the church.” How about your local faith community? How about your church or your small group? What are you doing with God’s gift to you, the prophet?