Besides being the shortest man in the bible, Bildad the Shuhite was a legalist. Job 8:3-7 is a portion of Bildad's response to Job's suffering. It's human nature (that's a kind way of identifying our flesh) when things don't go as expected, to look for tangible reasons why. This kind of searching can invariably lead to legalistic introspection that keeps us mired in a selfish perspective. "Maybe I've sinned." "Maybe I haven't prayed enough." "Maybe it's because I haven't been faithful reading the bible lately." Such thinking has a common thread...ME! If I could just do better...(fill in the blank) I wouldn't be in this mess. This is classic Cookbook Christianity that reduces relationship with Jesus to a recipe. Just follow the recipe (pray, read your bible, tithe, witness, etc) and good things will happen. When good things don't happen, the inevitable conclusion is that I must not be following my part of the recipe.
As leaders it's vitally important that we reject this kind of legalism and live a God-centered life that looks to Him first and foremost rather than within ourselves for understanding. One glimpse of the grandeur and majesty of our beautiful Lord and King is enough to put every circumstance in its proper perspective.
the limited perspective of one Jesus follower
2 comments:
Very well said Rick! We need to point people to all that God is, not a set of rules or superstitions. May we all get a bigger glimpse of God in our lives!
Lovely, Rick. All your resources are great, but I do really love your insights. Thanks for sharing.
Post a Comment