October 17, 2007
I have a friend who is very bitter towards God. At one point in his life he was very active in his church, but now has drifted a long way and wants nothing to do with the faith.
It’s sad because the reason for his bitterness is simply one of confusion, a common problem. In his early years as a Christian, he confused his pastor with God. In his mind, he placed the pastor upon a pedestal and idolized him.
When my friend went through a difficult time, he sought advise from the pastor. He followed the pastor’s advice and things didn’t work out the way my friend hoped they might.
The pastor was knocked off his pedestal as a result. Since my friend was basing his strength on the pastor not God, he didn’t know where to turn and drifted away.
To this day he refuses to see the difference between God and his pastor. In his mind, God let him down.
It’s a common mistake for Christians. We tend to idolize our favorite pastor, Bible teacher or Christian author. When the inevitable happens and they make a mistake, we’re devastated and our faith suffers a blow.
Pastors, teachers, and authors are only human. They will make mistakes. Even with the best of intentions, and diligent research, there will come a time when they err and let you down. Or there will come a time when there is a failure to communicate and what they think they are saying is not what you are hearing.
We must always be diligent to put our faith in the shepherd himself, not in one of his servants.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7 NIV
Learn from the pastors, teachers and authors. Glean from their insight, knowledge and expertise. Never confuse them with the one they teach of.
Until next time, may your faith be truly rooted in the Prince of Peace, in Christ Jesus.
God bless.
Darrel Mason