Recently I’ve heard criticism of Joel Osteen and T. D. Jakes. Some have complained that they don’t quote enough scripture. Others argue they are not strong enough spokespersons for the Christian Church.
It’s funny, I’ve seen hundreds of quotes from C. S. Lewis and not one of them contained a scripture reference. Lewis died in 1963; still many consider Lewis to be the foremost apologist for Christianity. And, I’m pretty sure Lewis never mounted a soapbox to scream at his audience; yet he seems to have gotten his point across very well. People still study his writings.
So what’s going on here?
It seems to me there is a very basic lack of understanding on the part of the critics, or they are simply bringing their prejudices to the conversation without looking at the content and impact of the message they are hearing. I’m certain God is more concerned about the content of the message than the method of delivery.
I get it. Some of these folks are not “your cup of tea”. Ok. Who cares? It’s not clear to me that God gives “style points”.
You can’t simply dismiss, or even try to destroy or undermine, a message that is advancing the Kingdom of God because you don’t like the delivery.
Did I hear someone say “Pharisee”? Sound like it to me. But then, I’m no expert so I won’t throw stones.
It seems to me folks have lost sight of the parable of the wheat and the tares. Maybe it’s time to dust it off and read it again.
You can find it here: Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus makes a clear case for letting God deal with those who are off-base. When we try to do God’s job we soon discover we aren’t up to the task. Let’s celebrate the good and let God do his job with what isn’t pleasing to Him.
Wayne
