I remember the moment vividly. I had made an off-handed comment about something unbiblical I had noticed about a very popular pastor. Suddenly, the atmosphere around me grew icy cold. Unbeknownst to me, those I were with highly esteemed this pastor and I had offended them greatly.
The temptation for all of us, of course, is to follow a person. We can see them, hear them, and touch them. And so when someone who appears to be following Jesus comes along, we are very tempted to latch on and follow them religiously.
I believe God knows this tendency of human beings, as Paul encourages his readers to follow his example as he follows Christ (I Corinthians 11:1). In Philippians 3:17 we read more about this, where Paul says to his readers–
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
It is interesting to note that earlier in that chapter, Paul makes it very clear that he has not arrived or is in any way a sinless man–
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
And so we know that Paul is humble and presenting himself as an imperfect servant of Christ who desires to set an example for Christians who are following him. (By the way, humility is probably one of the greatest things to look for in anyone we choose to follow!)
This all works great when the person is like Paul (and like so many other faithful servants to the Word of God that we know and love). However, we run into serious problems when the person we follow starts drawing us away from the Word and towards worldly philosophies and false doctrines.
As I sit here writing, I can think of several very popular pastors, authors, and teachers who are–even at this very moment–drawing sincere followers of Christ into false teaching. How does this happen?
I believe it is because we honor the word of man more than we honor the Word of God. I believe it is because we trust a fallible human being more than we trust the Word of God.
When we do this, we give the person we are following great power to wield deception and confusion in our spiritual lives, while we remain blissfully and ignorantly unaware that we have left the straight and narrow path and have joined the throng on the wide road.
Thankfully, if we are child of God’s that is sincerely searching for truth, God will open our eyes to the false teachings of the one we are following. But this can only happen if we know the Word of God and hold it as the authority of our lives, rather than handing that authority over to a fallible man.
This holds true for any man or woman you follow. This holds true for anything you listen to and anything you read–including this blog. One of my gravest concerns is that I lead no one astray from the truths of scripture. My opinions are irrelevant. I desire only to help you understand the Word of God and to draw you there as your authority. I hope that I am setting a godly example, however, since I am a fallible and sinful person, I will not do this perfectly. The same holds true for any person we follow. It is best we always keep this in mind and not idolize any human being.
It is important to remember that some of the people we follow are just off completely and we should stop following them. Others are leading people away from the Gospel as portrayed in scripture subtly and quickly and it is best to stop following them, as well. But, in many instances, the preachers or teachers we follow are off on just one or two trivial points, perhaps being deceived themselves, while being so on target in many other areas. Do we continue to follow them?
I think we can –but only if they are not key doctrinal issues and only if we know the Word and trust the Word over the man.
God has given us an innate desire to follow and believe in someone. We so often turn that passion towards fallible human beings rather than to the one and true God, as revealed to us in scripture. I encourage you today to let no man take the place that only God should hold. And how do we know God? He has given us His Word. This is the only one and true way to know God. Don’t be fooled!
Get in the Word. Study it. Learn it. So that if someone you follow starts leaving the straight and narrow path, you know it!
Yes!! I lead our women’s Bible study group in our church and there are author’s I will not do any of their studies, because although years ago they were biblical, now they are more new age, and for me that is not okay, and I will not lead my sister’s down that rabbit hole.
It’s hard to stand on God’s truth, when other things are more popular, when others don’t see His word being twisted, but it’s necessary.
Amen to that! So necessary!
Good post! The Word of God speaks of shepherds leading His people astray. I have no idea what pastor you are referring to in your post (don’t need to know), but Truth will often offend – we only need to be careful to be humble ourselves and kind and gracious. Caring about people being led astray is showing mercy to them. Our biggest temptation may be in sinning in the way we express it, rather than in the “truth” we express. I’ve definitely been accused of that at times! So, staying at the Cross, understanding as my husband and I just read this morning together – Romans 5:19
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
I have a clearer understanding of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, a righteousness that is not my own, but was given to me through His life, death & resurrection. And, THAT helps me to always seek to be an instrument in My Redeemer’s Hand to others:).
Love your posts, Leslie! Kindred hearts for sure!!
Amen!! I was sharing with a friend this morning something that John MacArthur said that has really stuck with me. It was something like this: “I am okay if people are offended because I share the Truth of God’s Word, but I never want to offend because of my sinful attitudes or responses.” This has really stuck with me and I, like him, truly desire to never offend because of my sin. Thank you, Donna, for your very wise words for today!