14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Tossed Around
Can I confess something to all of you? Promise to keep it a secret? There are few things that bug me more as a pastor than people who are not grounded. People who seem to read a new book, find a new blog, or watch a new video and suddenly declare a new gospel truth. They grab a hold of one particular doctrine and run with it until something more popular shows up, and then they’re off in a new direction.
The same is true of “church hoppers.” You probably know the type. They hop around from church to church. You’ll find them at whatever church is “moving and shaking” that month. I’m generalizing here, but if you’ve been a part of more than four different churches in the past five years, you’re probably a church hopper.
You’re also probably an immature Christian.
There, I said it. I’m sure it wont help with the subscription numbers here at The Oil Change. But, I still think it’s true. Very few things bother me more than people who bounce around from church to church or doctrine to doctrine. I mean, grow up. Please!
I think there is something to be said for someone who commits to a local church and determines to journey with that group of Christ followers. When things don’t go as planned, they stick at it and learn together. They discover truth as a family. They challenge and encourage one another. They are committed to each other no matter what happens. To me, that’s a mature Christian. One who refuses to get tossed around by the latest “in thing.”
Now, I should say that there are exceptions. When you first move to an area or feel God call you to move on to another church, there’s nothing wrong with going to multiple churches to find the right fit. But don’t commit to a church until you are ready to … well, commit. And, there are good reasons to walk away from a church. If their doctrine is not biblical and they are unwilling to walk in the truth, I would leave. But it should always be done with respect and honour.
I guess the question we should ask ourselves is this: how ground are we?
My prayer: Lord, it is easy to get caught up in all the different teachings and styles found in churches today. Because of the internet, access to videos, blogs, newsletters, etc. has never been easier. Much of this stuff can be a true blessing. But none of it should ever replace the value I have in my local church. That is where I am grounded. That is where I stand committed. Help me to never change that. Amen.
Until tomorrow
