When we hit a wall in life, where do we turn first? Do we look to the Church? To scholars? To our own intellect? Where are we placing our faith?
More and more in these troubled times, I see believers turning inward or seeking religious leaders of earthly authority for answers. This is sadly misguided, and there's a better way.
Only Human
However well meaning or well learned, we are all only human, and thus very limited. The simple teachings and fallible doctrines of men were never meant to be our standard of truth. All humanity's reason and emotional direction disappears in the face of our Father's magnificence. He must always be our only standard for truth, and we should continually seek him first.
Do we believe that religious leaders have a connection to the Father that we are incapable or unworthy of having for ourselves—or is our reliance on clergy just habit?
Why are we so reluctant to go into his presence when we need direction? Why do we only go to him as a last resort when our other avenues do not produce the fixes or answers we expected?
Do we believe that religious leaders have a connection to the Father that we are incapable or unworthy of having for ourselves—or is our reliance on clergy just habit?
Why are we so reluctant to go into his presence when we need direction? Why do we only go to him as a last resort when our other avenues do not produce the fixes or answers we expected?
One Brotherhood, One Great Teacher
Let us never forget that we have become children of the Most High and that we are his before all else. Y'shua died to give us direct connection to the throne room of the King of Kings! (Heb. 4:14-16). We certainly don't deserve this honor, yet because of our Father's endless grace and mercy, it has been given to us. This is why Y'shua told his followers,
"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' because you have only one teacher, and all of you are brothers." (Matt. 23:8, ISV)
This is not to say that we will never benefit from the wisdom of our brothers and sisters. The Assembly of Y'shua is a team of priests who help each other to operate properly. Y'shua dolls out different gifts and insights to different members of his flock, so we need to listen to one another. The key is to always take what we've heard to YHVH and his Word for verification. Unless we rely on the Spirit and ask for wisdom from above, we will not know which insights from believers are valid. We must be led into truth by the Spirit.
MOre Applicable Than Ever
As the end times near, it is increasingly important to remember to use this direct connection to draw near to our Father hastily in times of trouble (Jam. 4:8). We are going to need a rock on which to stand as the whole world dramatically changes around us. Confusion and deception will only increase, but the Word of YHVH is sure and unchanging.
Remember that he tells us to rely on him and trust him with everything (Psa. 62:8, 118:8-9). He wants us to build that trusting relationship with him. In fact, he even promises to generously give us wisdom when we ask for it, and commands that we don't doubt that he will supply it (Jam. 1:5). How beautiful is that? That is our good Father!
He is right there whenever we call and he promises to lead us, teach us, and straighten our path when we are wavering. The scriptures instruct us to lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all our heart and mind, and not rely on our own flawed insight and understanding (Pro. 3:5-6).
Remember that he tells us to rely on him and trust him with everything (Psa. 62:8, 118:8-9). He wants us to build that trusting relationship with him. In fact, he even promises to generously give us wisdom when we ask for it, and commands that we don't doubt that he will supply it (Jam. 1:5). How beautiful is that? That is our good Father!
He is right there whenever we call and he promises to lead us, teach us, and straighten our path when we are wavering. The scriptures instruct us to lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all our heart and mind, and not rely on our own flawed insight and understanding (Pro. 3:5-6).
Everything in its Right Place
We may have other leaders and teachers in this life that will provide insights and add dimension, but we should remind ourselves continually that the only one we truly need is the One who loved us before we were even born.
He is love. He is truth. He is our standard.
So may we all remember to look upward before inward, and to seek our Father's will and wisdom above the knowledge of this world.
He is love. He is truth. He is our standard.
So may we all remember to look upward before inward, and to seek our Father's will and wisdom above the knowledge of this world.
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