Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CONFUSED (07/29/21)
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TITLE: Beneficial and Destructive Confusion | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
08/03/21 -
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In a state of confusion, we are highly vulnerable to making mistakes, not knowing which way to turn, especially in the face of mounting pressure to make a decision.
As Benjamin Franklin once put it, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound a cure. Having the right answers before the need arrives can go a long way in preventing confusion.
Matt. 7: 24 - 27 speaks of preparing for life's adversity ahead of time by storing away Biblical principles of the Word of God.
Experiencing less confusion is one of the earthly rewards of having been obedient to 2Peter 3: 18, by acquiring the knowledge of God beforehand, and then James 1: 22 having willingness to apply it in a timely fashion.
Like having good brakes on our vehicles, Biblical verses will do us no good if we don't apply them (James 1: 22) when necessary, and in a timely fashion. Routine expectations (2Cor. 13: 5) of our brakes (doctrines) are required to avoid crashes (Matt. 7: 27).
There is nothing like finding out we have defective brakes (doctrine) when we need them the most.
As children, we are taught that good people and good deeds are rewarded and that bad people and bad deeds are punished.
Most religions leave people with the impression that their good deeds will be rewarded here on Earth, and it is their good deeds that opens the gates of Heaven.
But along the road of life here in the devil's world (Luke 4: 6), we see that good people are often persecuted, made fun of, rejected, hated, and isolated for living the type of life that glorifies God.
Furthermore, we see overtly wicked people going right along unscathed (Psalms 73: 5), at ease (Psalms 73: 12), prosperous (Psalms 73: 12), enjoying much of what the devil's world (Luke 4: 6) has to offer. Many even depart this world with no pain (Psalms 73: 4).
Preachers point that no one ever has, is not now, or ever will be good enough or do enough good deeds to open Heaven's gates (Roman 3: 23, 24). The ignorant or arrogant will ask, "So why bother?".
By not telling (or not listening) to the whole story (Heb. 12: 6/1Cor. 3: 15), many conclude they can go down the steep hills of life with defective brakes (doctrine) or drive (live) recklessly and suffer no other consequences as long as they have good (eternal security) insurance.
Those who do not consider the end result of the wicked (Rev. 20:15) or back-sliding believer (1Cor. 3: 15) will find the prosperity of the wicked, the cost of discipleship, and the unfairness of life in general here in the devil's world to be very confusing.
As if the external confusion and challenges coming from the devil's world weren't confusing enough, the Christian Community has a long history of not being able to come to a consensus on a host of doctrinal issues and accompanying practices and taboos.
It is much easier to be (or to listen to) an evangelist promoting the unconditional mercy and grace of the Gospel Message (Romans 8: 1) than it is to be (or listen to) a pastor teacher teaching about the cost of (Luke 9: 23/Luke 14: 26) discipleship, and individual accountability (Romans 14: 12).
There will be a degree of inevitable confusion experienced as one is exposed to interpretations and applications of Scripture that differ from his own. Such experiences are beneficial, as they provide the advancing disciple with ongoing opportunities (2Cor. 13: 5) to either reinforce his present position or to make the necessary adjustments in order to move forward along the road to to spiritual maturity.
There is a right way a wrong way to evangelize unbelievers and to edify fellow believers. One promotes a good learning environment, the other promotes confusion and division.
The right way is to do so with as much understanding, empathy, respect, and gentleness (1Pet. 3: 15) that the circumstances allow.
The devil is well-pleased as he watches the Christian Community shoot itself in the foot, arrogantly debating, threatening, insulting, maligning, and criticizing fellow believers for their doctrinal or procedural differences (Romans 14: 13).
Our battle is not with people (Eph. 6: 12).
Christians are here to win souls; not debates.
Without gentleness and respect (1Pet. 3: 15), our attempts to evangelize unbelievers or to edify fellow believers can be counterproductive, resulting in divisive confusion.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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If you're not already, I suggest reading your piece aloud several times. It may help you hear where you're missing a word or used a wrong word. In fact reading this review aloud before submitting helped me catch some of my own errors.
Three I found in this piece:
“Experiencing less confusion is one of the earthly rewards of having been obedient to 2 Peter 3:18. “ Obedient to what?
“is worth a pound a cure. “ I think you meant “a pound of cure.”
“Preachers point that no one ever has, is not now, or ever will be good enough or do enough good deeds to open Heaven's gates (Roman 3: 23, 24)” Since all three phrases are meant to connect to”good enough” I suggest changing “ever has” to “ever has been”.
I loved the analogy of the brakes. It's so perfect and memorable and a way of helping your message stick in the mind of the reader. Great job. Keep edifying the flock.