I am a person with very strong convictions. I do not hold a conviction, or arrive at a position, on secondary doctrines quickly or without a great deal of study and prayer. However, if men, throughout the history of the church, men who clearly knew the scriptures and communed more frequently and more deeply with God, than I, have held differing views on secondary doctrines; true humility would dictate that one not hold their own convictions on these matters too tightly; nor teach them dogmatically. True humility is present when a man can admit, and truly believe, that he may be wrong.
A wise pastor will teach his congregation the differing views held by the church. He will not give them the easy way out by teaching his position as the correct position. He will admit that he may be wrong and will provoke them to search the scriptures, to study, and to think! Creating strong convictions in your people, based solely on their respect for you, will not grow your people up. It will simply allow people to rely on you for all the answers and never feel the need to search the scriptures for themselves. Creating like-mindedness in a congregation on secondary issues, makes a pastors job easier; helps everyone get along better; but, it does not foster spiritual growth.
To say that ones personal convictions on secondary doctrines will never be shaken is the epitome of a proud heart! To teach others that your position is the correct position is the path to popish error.
Orthodoxy (correct doctrine), Orthopraxis (correct actions) and Orthocardia (correct heart). The Puritans used to talk about the need to have all three. We tend to think a lot about the first two. Let us not forget that, "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
No comments:
Post a Comment