Navigating Unpopular Opinions in Today’s Church
Introduction
Another week down and another week of learning. As I continue to learn within my new job, I have found it increasingly difficult to have time to listen to my typical range of podcasts and audiobooks, as my role requires much more brain work and active thinking about the job. So for those who read this for the podcast recommendations, please bear with me, and I will have more for you soon.
What I learned this week
We Will Not Be Silenced - Erwin W. Lutzer
I did find time to start a new book this week called “We will not be silenced.” I have yet to finish it, but so far, I have found it to be a very convicting book, as it really talks a lot about the modern American church and how progressive many groups have become, and those who have not fallen to progressive ideology have simply remained silent.
As I was reading this book, a sentiment that I found, which I have often said to myself, is that we are moving toward a future where it will no longer be “cool” to call yourself a Christian. Something that I think many in the Bible Belt of America have not had to face. We are moving day by day to a place where there is active hostility toward Christians. Those who do choose to stand for something care often cowed into silence through intimidation or fear of being called a bigot. Many American Christians have forgotten Jesus's words that the world will hate us because they first hated Him.
I have been trying my best to continue to grow accustomed to having unpopular opinions and knowing that they are some who will simply disagree with me. A recent sermon I heard from my Pastor that really gave me a lot to chew on and consider went like this.
“Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is hypocrisy”
I have often found myself being someone who believes that nothing but the truth matters. I often speak the truth without love. There is a balance that I am trying to learn. Because I the other side just as much, and that is to love without truth. A pitfall of many of today’s modern churches. They want to be liked and be popular, and they love people straight to hell because they are unwilling to provide correction and speak the truth according to the Bible.
I think there are many churches that are going to have to get comfortable with the fact that they will likely soon have to give up their tax exemptions and other privileges that have been afforded them by the states and government. The true church in America is coming under fire. It is just as Jesus said it would be. Today the world openly exchanges truth for lies because the world does not care to know the truth they do not wish to abide by the rules and regulations that God has instituted.
Fasting From Wrong Thinking
Some friends and I are currently going through this 40-day devotional series, and I have found it to be very beneficial as a morning routine and just getting my day started off right.
The devotional introduced me to an idea I don’t think I‘ve heard before, and it is the idea of a “thought life.” Many of us talk about our work life and personal lives. But I had never heard someone really talk about the idea of a “thought life.”
As Christians, we are called to “take every thought captive,” and it’s something I have often heard, but I’ve never really put it into practice or spent any time really committing to the question of what it actually means to actively practicing it and taking my thoughts captive. I would really recommend anyone who struggles with unhealthy thought patterns to consider going through this devotional with someone. Be vulnerable with them about what you personally struggle with and go to war against the thoughts that haunt you and keep you captive.
What I did this week
Actively working on learning my new role with my job
Developing new procedures to try and help my team
No Alcohol (28 days)
Minimizing my screentime
Really happy with my overall progress in minimizing the amount of time I am spending on my phone!
Thank you all once again for joining me. I hope you learned something and continue to enjoy these quick recaps every week!
