Middle of Nowhere

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:8

Through social media I was sent a link of a pastor preaching a fiery message. He was engaged, and the whole church was responsive to his message. I listened to it intently, even going back to hear parts of it again. The problem was that I couldn’t understand his point. I wondered if the people in the church really knew what he was saying or if they were simply responding to the energy of his sermon.

Some preachers like to keep on the fence with their messages. If they preach the complete truth of God’s word, they will make enemies and some people in the church will stop coming. However, if they preach a soft, mixed message, perhaps the people will be appeased so that no one is really too convicted and their church will grow.

The double-minded, on-the-fence preaching may make a lot of people comfortable in the church; however, it can also make them comfortable in their sins. It would be tragic to serve one’s whole life in the church only to find himself lost without a Savior.

Paul was faced with this dilemma. In his day, many preachers were preaching the Jewish circumcision alongside receiving Christ’s sacrifice. Their soft approach was less adverse for those who wanted to embrace both the law and grace. However, Paul took the strong stance of truth. He even wrote, “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:12) No soft and comfy message from Paul–either you choose Jesus or choose to be judged!

There will always be preachers who ride the fence on truth and righteousness. Yet we have the choice to continue listening and supporting their soft, unsound doctrines or step away towards truthful but sometimes hard teachings that keep us on the right track.