31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
I treasure the friends who tell me the truth even when it hurts. I need to know if I’m doing something that will harm me or those I love. I want to know if I’m hurting my health or doing something that’s financially foolish. While I don’t like to be nagged about something I already know, I do want to have the benefit of insight from another perspective that might be more helpful because it’s not swayed by the need to save face or other emotions that may cloud one’s view.
This past Sunday I heard a gifted preacher share of his conversation with a world famous preacher of many years who finds that the current generation of church goers aren’t interested in hearing sermons of in depth biblical knowledge that challenges them to change in order to please God. Instead they prefer more a a motivational thought using scripture. They love great music to excite them or entertain them and then they want non-intrusive biblical rhetoric. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster.
If we only listen to spiritual messages that are catered to our comfort zone we will never grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. So what is the result of this trend?
Just like our health obesity epidemic, there is a pandemic of spiritual obesity. People who have a form of godliness but without the power. They have entertainment but know relationship. They have the freedom to behave as they choose without being challenged but the result is spiritual neuropathy. They can’t tell that their ability to discern right from wrong is diminishing. They don’t realize that they are on the path to hearing the words “I know you not” from Jesus. They damage themselves and others but don’t realize all the harm that’s occuring.
So please, search the scriptures! Dig for truth! And don’t be afraid to share it! If you don’t many will remain slaves…when the truth could set them free!
