We must have the courage to disagree even with the big names and famous men, if we can get satisfied no other way. Never forget, God is on the side of the thirsty saint. You do not need to persuade Him to meet you. He is already persuaded. Just dare to trust Him. A.W. Tozer
What does this quote say to you? I go a couple of different directions with it myself. It's almost as if the quote is split into two different topics - according to how I'm reading it.
Topic 1: The "celebrity status" we give preachers who end up teaching congregations of thousands and writing books, etc. We've (that's a general we by the way) have put them on the pedestal and in most cases their words about God have become truth even if what they speak doesn't represent God accurately at all. There's this idea out there that we aren't "allowed" to disagree with a well-known, published preacher. Um. Wrong. We can, and truthfully we should, disagree with them when what they are teaching is in direct contradiction to the person and work of God. And there are so many ways to disagree...respectfully. So should you disagree, do it with a civil courtesy and a respect.
Topic 2: We ( that's the general we again) are in this bad habit of asking God for things that we already possess because we are his children. For example: God please give us peace. UM. That's already done. We have it without asking for it. If you aren't feeling it, it isn't because God isn't giving it to you - it's because you have allowed circumstances etc to block it. It's there just waiting for you. I could go an and on as this particular habit that the Church at large does drives me crazy but I think you get my idea. Think about it.
So there's where my thoughts went when I read today's quote. I'd love to hear from you - what do you think?
What does this quote say to you? I go a couple of different directions with it myself. It's almost as if the quote is split into two different topics - according to how I'm reading it.
Topic 1: The "celebrity status" we give preachers who end up teaching congregations of thousands and writing books, etc. We've (that's a general we by the way) have put them on the pedestal and in most cases their words about God have become truth even if what they speak doesn't represent God accurately at all. There's this idea out there that we aren't "allowed" to disagree with a well-known, published preacher. Um. Wrong. We can, and truthfully we should, disagree with them when what they are teaching is in direct contradiction to the person and work of God. And there are so many ways to disagree...respectfully. So should you disagree, do it with a civil courtesy and a respect.
Topic 2: We ( that's the general we again) are in this bad habit of asking God for things that we already possess because we are his children. For example: God please give us peace. UM. That's already done. We have it without asking for it. If you aren't feeling it, it isn't because God isn't giving it to you - it's because you have allowed circumstances etc to block it. It's there just waiting for you. I could go an and on as this particular habit that the Church at large does drives me crazy but I think you get my idea. Think about it.
So there's where my thoughts went when I read today's quote. I'd love to hear from you - what do you think?
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