Should We Inspect the Builder or the Building?
The world is full of, and always has been, those who spread false doctrine among the believers. They may have the common foundation of Jesus, but from there the construction starts to get off balance (1 Cor 3:13). As Christians, we are told to beware of false teaching and warn others, but how far should we go? Certainly, in some cases, false teachers have selfish, destructive motives and should be identified. But it’s not always easy to KNOW another’s motives.
Many in ministry have a firm foundation in Jesus but may be building a few rooms that aren’t exactly level. All the same, they could be winning people to Christ and leading them to changed lives, making an impact for the Kingdom. Let’s face it, none of us, from individuals to denominations, have a right to declare our beliefs are all exactly right and anyone who differs from us is wrong.
I’ve been guilty of criticizing others’ teachings many times in the past. But with the ability now for everyone with an opinion to blog and beat up other Christians, I became convicted of my own judgmentalism. It literally makes me sick to my stomach to hear Christians trashing each other. What the world must think of us always yaah yaahing and bad-mouthing our own team. Yes, the Church must be on guard for false doctrine, but perhaps we should focus more on the teaching and let God handle the teachers (1 Cor 3:17).
from my notebook 