Preachers
Some Evil, Some Faithful.
Our thoughts,...
We've seen how evil people in the world can be, yet all of them together do not match the witnessed accounts revealing how evil men who call themselves "preachers" in the church can be. It was confirmed in the 1st Century, and it remains true.
Understand me; God-fearing souls are behind the pulpit, humble ministers who love Jesus and the church He built. These kind and genuine individuals work tirelessly for the kingdom, sacrificing all for the gospel's greater good, united and made for Christ. But there are "preachers" behind pulpits and on social media, who are everything Matthew 23 rebukes; "fools and blind men!" They have their own "cliques" and loyal subordinates who unrighteously support their wicked and prideful divisiveness. With deep sorrow, we know they sin against God and us, and as a spiritual consequence, the gnashing of their teeth will be heard throughout eternity. They miss it; they miss the mark. What good is it to be so close to the Bible yet far from God? Useless, "noisy gong."
But for you and I, faithful in Christ, we must rest humbly, for "the greatest among you shall be your servant." - Jesus. We must discern the difference between an evil and faithful preacher because knowing a whole lot of Scripture does not make one "faithful." A closer study of the Pharisaical kind Christ dealt with will genuinely open up some insight into these malicious brutes.
We, you and I, must have a love for one another, the kind of love the Bible speaks, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." - Jesus. It is good to know as much of the Bible as you can but not void of its motive, which should be for the love of the truth and our brethren and fellow neighbors.
Yes, love will tell you the truth. But it goes further. "Love is patient, and love is kind. For love does not envy, and it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others and is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres." - Paul.
May we learn to discern.
Your servant,
SM