Recently, I found myself subscribing and then promptly unsubscribing to a fellow Substack writers blog within 10 minutes. Why? Because I quickly realised the progressive, unbiblical leanings of this apparently ‘Christ following’ writer when I saw the recommendations they gave for other writers' work. Some of those recommended writers were known for so-called ‘progressive Christian’ theology. Progress is good, but not when progression is towards a deadly precipice.
It was disappointing, as I had been enjoying this particular writer's way with words. I am always drawn to lyrical, emotive writing. It is sobering when I think of how many gifted, talented writers there are in the world who are able to craft beautiful sentences, but they choose to use this gift (consciously or subconsciously) to sow error, false teaching and confusion about Christ.
In many ways, I am susceptible to being led astray by these gifted writers. They are usually scholarly and intellectual. They understand philosophy and psychology and know how to weave story, narrative and literary references into their work. They are poets, creatives, deep thinkers and insightful in a lot of ways. I can relate to some of their idealism about the way things ought to be. To a personality like mine- who finds joy in the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth and the creative arts - it is alluring.
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. For it is written,
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” ( 1 Corinthians 1: 20-25 CSB)
Jews seek signs and Greeks seek wisdom… are you a proverbial Jew or Greek? Do you seek signs from God aside from His word? Or do you seek wisdom from God aside from His word?
According to the scriptures, if we are seeking signs apart from what is revealed in His word (the bible), the reality of Christ crucified may become a stumbling block to us. If we are seeking wisdom apart from the wisdom of God, revealed in Christ crucified, then we will begin the descent into viewing the wisdom of God as foolishness.
We see this clearly in the intellectual progressives who deny the meaning of Christ’s death on the cross in our place and of His resurrection.
Do we know Christ as the wisdom of God for our lives? Are we prepared to look foolish in the eyes of others for His sake?
It is easy to trust ourselves and believe we are somehow immune to the lure of earthly wisdom. But it is undeniable that we are all influenced to one degree or another by what we expose ourselves to and surround ourselves with. What we see, hear and read will affect us for better or worse. To be aware of this is good, but to acknowledge it and then actually establish healthy boundaries for our lives in terms of what we expose ourselves to is wisdom.
“So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12 CSB)
We are not immune.
With all the wisdom that King Solomon was given, he was still fallible, influenced greatly by those closest to him to his detriment. In the end, he realised all that mattered was to fear God and turn away from evil.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God- not by reading/listening to/studying the works of the latest acclaimed writer or theological scholar.
A good litmus test for erroneous ‘christian’ writing, preaching or teaching is by noticing what is absent; Do they ever mention the Fear of the Lord? Holiness? Righteousness? Sin? Judgement? Faithfulness? Do they use any scripture to base their opinions on? Is the bible authoritative or just acknowledged as a fleeting side note? What you may hear instead are references to personal experiences, alternative theologies, heretical interpretations of scripture, psychological theory and academic research. Clear biblical instruction may be mocked, or a negative stereotypical presentation of a biblical position is given, conveniently ignoring the whole counsel of God.
Walking in the wisdom of God may mean we stop participating in activities we like; not reading, watching or listening to certain things that mock or present as light entertainment what grieves the heart of God. It may mean missing out, standing out in some way or being seen as legalistic.
This is not always easy or convenient, but there are usually better options available to us if we’ll search them out. Our time and our minds are precious.
By God's grace I have changed drastically over the last few years, especially since having children my eyes have been opened to what I am taking in culturally. It feels like I am seeing everything through their eyes and it has awakened me from spiritual slumber. I am more sensitive than ever to immorality ( which is celebrated and normalised ) in certain types of entertainment. It is strange to think of some of the things I watched, listened to and engaged in that I wouldn't touch with a barge pole now! I told myself then I could handle it, I was aware of the issues, I was mature enough to separate the wheat from the chaff…but that was only my pride talking. Again, I was not immune.
We need not fear the darkness, but it seems unwise to intentionally walk around in it for entertainment purposes with our guard down. We are called to walk the narrow road that leads to life. Because the road is narrow, we may have to get accustomed to travelling light and let some of the things of this world fall away.