6. The belief that we know what’s better for people … more than they do.
“He then began explaining things to them: “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive.” He said this simply and clearly so they couldn’t miss it. But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. “Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works.” (Mark 8:31-33 The Message)
Peter thinks he knows what is best for God. Though we might not think we know what’s best for God, it is easy to think we know what’s best for the people we are trying to minister to.
Our ministry is with the lives of others, not in the lives of others.
We come alongside others not seeking to override their will, but be there for them. God is the one who not only comes alongside, but also goes within. We can often acutely see even the smallest problems in others, but very rarely do we see or even attend to the most obvious matters in our own lives.
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7.3-5″>Matthew 7:3-5 ESV)
We are called to minister, not meddle.
7. The belief that we have the edge on truth.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14.6″>John 14:6 ESV)
Romans 3:4 … “let God be true and every man a liar.” When we raise up the faithfulness, integrity or veracity of our interpretation of truth with pride, we can paint ourselves (in our own minds and often unwittingly) true like God is true.
God cannot be wrong, but I can.
Sometimes, a church has unknowingly unhinged truth from God’s dwelling place and hung it on their own front door when they begin to act as if they have the “edge on all truth or doctrine.” We have God in Christ, who is truth, and we have our Bibles, which is truth interpreted. We are called to read, interpret and live out truth in humility.
When we are with God, he will not be interpreted according to our understanding, but we will be interpreted according to his. That’s a humbling thought.
