The Nester knows what she wants to do – that’s why she hates going to fabric stores. The people there tell her she’s wrong, she can’t do that, it won’t work, it’s not right. It’s not enough to help her by selling her what she wants. She has to do what they think, the way they think it should be done. They’re the guardians of right
People are a big help. But they’re not the final word. You have to decide for yourself.
It can be the same in spiritual things. People will tell you you can’t do that, you shouldn’t do that, it’s wrong. (I'm not talking about the clear, pretty-much undebated sins in the Bible -- I mean more the projects and ministries and methods that Christians feel led to do.) And there’s the added sledgehammer – implied or stated – this isn’t me saying it, it’s the Bible. And they’ll show you the verses. Suddenly you’re unbiblical. Oh God, anything but that. Because unlike designer opinions and decorating status quo, in spiritual things there is a final truth. And final, absolute truth does need guardians. It’s way more important than window treatments.
But the guardians disagree. You can’t make them all happy. If you’re convinced by one, another will still say you’re wrong. Some will not only tell you what the Bible says, but also what it means and they’ll apply it for you, too, and they do all that in one move and with 100% confidence and if you disagree with their application to you they’ll say you’re disagreeing with God. Yikes. But you better listen to only one of them, because if you listen to more than one you’ll have to take a vote because they’ll disagree.
So what do you do when a guardian is trying to guard and you’re the threat?
Being unbiblical is serious business. So is fearing men. In the end, you’re responsible to the Lord – be able to defend yourself to him based on what he’s written. Deciding for yourself does not mean making up your own truth -- there's only one of those and you don't get to invent your own. You can only hunger for it, search it out, turn your ear to it, call out for insight, accept it and apply your heart to understanding what you should do about it.
Be convinced yourself. Some men, well intentioned, are master arguers and love doing it and you will feel you’re wrong if you can’t answer all their points. And you may be wrong, but the truth is not up for grabs to the best debater.
Do your best. Take it serious. Accept criticism, consider it and handle it gracefully. But make a decision and act. Go. With boldness and humility.
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