They just use me as a cover, for teaching whatever suits their fancy.”(Matthew 15:9 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Listen For Jesus
I’ve noticed in the last few years that nearly every political viewpoint in the USA seems to claim Ronald Reagan as one of their own. From Socialists to Libertarian, from Communists to Neo-Nazis, from Democrats to Republicans, Ronald Reagan is named, quoted, and apparently followed.
But politically, it is not enough to drop his name.
And it is not enough to drop Jesus’ name, either. (Matthew 7:21)
I just spent some time looking. And perhaps it should not surprise us, but both conservative and liberal Christians claim Jesus would take their side. Even more, I found that some Hindus like Him, some Muslims quote Him, Universalists embrace Him, Buddhists endorse Him, and even some atheists use His words.
But claiming His name is not enough.
With so many philosophies, worldviews, and ideas bombarding our ears, it might be frightening to listen to open our ears. How can we know what to believe?
But Jesus Himself gives us the litmus test. Those who teach according to their fancy, are not from Him. But those who teach towards, about, and for Jesus… those are trustworthy.
So what kind of things can we be sure do NOT come from Jesus, even if they seem like it? Anyone who teaches that heaven-residence is self-determined. Anyone who pushes us towards fear, as if anything out there is more powerful than Jesus. Anyone who proposes that we can determine someone else’s insides based on our analysis of their outsides. Anyone who argues that grace is not free.
When you hear those kinds of things… shut your ears.
Fear not, then listen for Jesus.