Dependent?

Before I went to college, I was bruised and hurt by the church. I had experienced deception, lying and my view of truth was crumbling because at 18, my truth came from the people who taught it, and not from scripture or the intercession of the Holy Spirit. I totally claim and own that my version of truth and it's source, was seriously distorted. There were leaders in my life who taught me their own personal theology of Christ and the church, and because I trusted them, I said "Yeah, me too. That sounds right."

Don't we all do that, though? Sometimes I feel I trust my pastor so much that if He said Jesus' favorite drink was kool-aid, I would say, "Yes that is truth. Preach, brother!"

 Friends, I'm not saying "Don't trust anyone." Definitely not. God created community for us to teach, encourage one another, and to share in each other's burdens. I wouldn't be in church ministry if it weren't for a community of people praying and walking alongside of me. But, above all, Jesus is head of the church.


Therefore, here's a tough question, Is your walk with Christ dependent upon your pastor?



I'm just sharing with you that I'm living proof that we all need to take initiative of our own faith. As Ryan and I teach the kids and youth all the time about claiming your own faith, claiming your faith apart from what your family's faith. I'm going to take that one step closer for you adults and parents, continue to make it your own by diving into scripture and learning more for yourself.  Don't let the only sources of insight and revelation be what is taught to you. Learn, grow and challenge yourself to know more of the heart of God. It will lead way to deeper relationship with Christ- which is what Jesus calls us to! Sometimes, we learn more of Christ's character by the people around us. I totally agree with that, but when we are called into relationship with Christ, we have direct access to what the life of a Christian really is.

I am so grateful for the pastors, mentors, friends and leaders that the Lord has in my life. Because of their love and concern for me, and Love for the Lord, I have people to go to as I question and seek the will of God.  I have people to pray for me. I have dear friends that will stay up until 3:00am encouraging me at a youth camp, knowingly preparing for 4 hours of sleep. I have friends that invite me into their homes, after their children have gone to bed, just to catch up and care for me. I have people the Lord has called to preach His gospel, as an enlightened word from God to me. But, I'm reminded that they are not Jesus. My love and belief of Christ is not dependent on their existence. And hey, I need daily reminders of that, because I am so attached to people. Don't allow yourself to be hurt by the church because your own identity is wrapped up in the people, rather than the truth of Christ Jesus. People are filled with sin. And we know that wherever sin exists, there is going to be hurt and deception.

The Lord has sacrificed everything He has on my behalf, and that is the ultimate act of love, care and concern. It's in Him I desire for my truth to be found. Some days, it's not. But, I'm reminded every day of His goodness and grace despite my short comings and definitive sin.

Where is your source of truth- is it the people who are pouring into you, or is it Jesus Christ and Holy scripture?