Sunday, September 13, 2009

Reactionism

I think one of the great dangers to theology is reacting. When we see wickedness, we can react against it - we can become aggressive and take it to whatever is wrong. Well, isn't that a good thing? No, because we are not primarily the vanquishers of evil, we are to be the speakers and defenders of truth. And often, in our zeal to oppose and ill or wickedness, our cure and counter to the given wickedness shoots on by God's word as well.

When we response with disgust, when we are indignant, when we lament the ills of society, we are not prepared to do theology -- because we are looking at the ills of men rather than the Word of God. Whether people are being openly wicked or whether they are being sanctimonious - when we are responding to them we aren't looking at the Word, we are looking at them.

Give attention to the Word, what it says - not what you wish.

1 comment:

Christopher D. Hall said...

Nice post, Circuit Counselor! As pastors it's pretty easy sometimes to see folks who are living pretty carnal lives, or who sow dissent all the time. It is tempting to call out the cancer, to confront and react, in your words. Sometimes it's necessary, but most of the time it's best to preach the Word--and not in a mean way--and let God take care of the sins.

I know I desire this level of mercy from our Lord for my many sins.