Isms. Is that a word? Not exactly. It is the caboose to branding words; pharisaism, legalism, conservatism, etc.
A problem with isms is they ride upon the rails of comparative form. In order to be labeled as conservative such must be in comparison to some other standard. So, the question is, Conservative compared to what? Liberal compared to what?
Comparison isn't the first big problem with isms. The standard is. The standard tends to be each other. For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (II Cor. 10:12).
When the standard in kingdom life is others we become more like Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. When this happens Push often comes to Shove. This is why the religious world is such a gigantic and embarrassing mess. We live comparing what is good about us against what is wrong with them....whoever them happens to be who are not like us.
The Standard is? Jesus. He is the standard way, standard truth, standard life. It isn't enough to be doing assumed well in living by comparison to anything other than Jesus Christ. Until we arrive at The Standard we are off.
The problem with isms is they pit us one against another. Isms...according to God's law...leave us believing we know the truth; yet we do not have it because we do not understand.
The solution to isms is Jesus. When comparing ourselves to him.....we tend to step back and lay down our swords of accusation toward others of whom we assumed ourselves to be superior by comparison.
Now....this is a good post!
4 comments:
This could possibly be the most harmful attribute of churches. Is it part of our human (sinful) nature? We could talk about our lives in general, aside from church affiliation, and see the same debilitating characteristic. We compare ourselves to each other...physically, economically, educationally, and on and on and on. It depletes us of the joy of being God's creation.
Excellent post.
How great to see someone else thinking and writing about this. Comparison's has been a topic of conversation with me and a friend lately. I'm glad to see the additional guidance here that I lacked - that it's not only comparing someone to someone else that is bad, but we should be looking at how we compare to Christ. Fantastic post!
A friend gave me an excellent book: "So you don't want to go to church anymore?" It is an extended parable, sort of a novel that has lots of theological conversation (like The Shack, very engaging). From the bottom of page 97: " Don't feed off your need to be more right than others, and then you'll know more clearly what he is doing in you." Amazing book, more amazing than just this quote.
Wonderful post Terry!
I have been challenged and encouraged. Your blog is definately one of my favs. My prayer is that we will get rid of isms and strive for unity. Unity that we have in Jesus Christ. Unity among the Restoration Movement and with other believer. I hope we all will see ourselves as Christians only and get rid of all the labels. Thanks brother for this post and challenging us to change. I hope you have a great day! :-)
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