CONFUSION

I Was Just Thinking About – CONFUSION.

A general definition for the word confusion is: “disorder, tumult, upheaval, chaos.” Some Biblical definitions are: “emptiness and instability.” A devotional writer suggests confusion can occur, and most likely will take place – “when our hearts are far from God. One of the ways we know is when we see our Christianity in terms of the externals. Authentic Christianity is not about the right haircut, being at church every time the doors are opened, serving as an elder or using all of the “Christianese” lingo known to man. You can be all cleaned up on the outside while pride, jealousy, greed, and a dozen other internal demons happily feast on your heart. Let’s remember that: Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7).”

Another helpful comment is: “Living in the world is confusing at times.  Things that happen often don’t make sense. We can lessen the chance of our being confused if we stay in the Word of God.  To find God’s hidden will and lessen our confusion, we need to be doing His revealed will because God will never reveal His hidden will for us until we at least obey His revealed will.  Living in obedience to God certainly increases the chances for clarity from God and decreases confusion in our lives” (The Christian Crier).

Confusion is not just an external world-thing! Sadly, confusion seems to be present in too many churches (large as well as the small and dying). It generally occurs when “Man-Control” is employed and it supersedes “God-Control.” It will be argued that it isn’t true but there is too much evidence that refutes that protest. The Church should model both who God is and what God desires. In terms of confusion – both potential and real – Paul stated in I Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” I can hear those who argue for contextual exegesis that it is referring primarily to the disruption of people speaking in tongues and shouting questions/answers in the assembly. While that is true in context, the character of God argues for peace rather than confusion.

When Paul wrote his letters to the Corinthian Church, he was attempting to keep the people spiritually focused. He doesn’t want the individual believer to be confused by the activity of Satan. Why? Because - Second Corinthians 11:14 – “Satan masquerades as an angel of light.” The individual believer is to be guarded in this area because one is to be an example to others of a lifestyle governed and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s instruction is First Corinthians 10:31-32, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble – whether Jews or Greeks – or Church of God.”

One evidence of confusion in the Church is how people respond to the preaching of the Word. Some prefer one type/appearance of a Minister and some prefer another type. Solid preaching and exegesis is not their measure. They are oriented to the general externals rather than to their individual internals. Leadership (?) in the Church generally capitulates to the ones who make the greatest expression (or noise) about what they think and what they believe will improve Church attendance. May God have mercy on those whose expressions dominate and where the leadership fails to lead.

A Hymn written in 1871 contains these words”

Have ye wept with the broken hearted
In their agony of woe?
Ye might hear Me whisper beside you,
’Tis a pathway I often go.
My disciples, My brethren, My friends,
Can you dare to follow Me?
Then, wherever the Master dwelleth,
There shall the servant be.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.