Last year after I finished rewriting my book, Christian author Jerry Jenkins offered to critique it for my final class with the Guild. I was scared, Mr. Jenkins is known for being a very thorough critiquer. Hence, why he named his critiques “thick-skinned critique.”
I’ve known for years about Mr. Jenkins’ direct, no holds barred approach to equipping future writers. For decades Jerry has tried to help writers who can not speak for themselves. Jerry’s approach is a tough LOVE. Not the temporary, SUGAR–coated worldly love that many prefer.
Even my instructor at the time cautioned me about Jerry’s remarks. But, I jumped at the chance to learn from him.
It’s better to know the harsh truth about something, than to believe a lie that only makes us feel good about ourselves (Proverbs 27:6). I’m a firm believer in the old adage, “a half-truth a whole lie.” The most loving thing we can do is tell someone the WHOLE TRUTH, even if they don’t like it.
That is what this special Valentine's blog will be about, the twisted gospel of encouragement.
ENCOURAGEMENT?
Encouragement is mentioned in the New Testament more than 100 times. Thus, it’s an important teaching in the Christian faith. But somewhere, this teaching has gotten twisted and one-sided.
The Greek word for encouragement in the New Testament is Parakaleo, it means more than just encouragement. It also means comfort, strengthen, teach or admonish (rebuke).
It depends on the context it’s used in. When I was involved in men’s ministry, one of the foundational scriptures we taught was Proverbs 27:17, this imagery is meaningful.
The iron sharpening process isn’t a cakewalk. It involves heat and friction. Sometimes sparks will FLY. I’m a firm believer in the teachings of accountability and rebuking.
I thank God for the community of faith and the godly men in my life who guide and mentor me. I know they love and care for me, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Scripture is clear, we SHOW LOVE by being honest with each other, which can be comforting or correcting (Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 3:14–19)
There are times when a BROTHER needs correction and there are times when he simply needs SHOULDERS to cry on. Christianity can be a lonely road of faith.
Jerry Jenkins continues in his book I Saul, “I am so weary of darkness,’ Paul told Luke. ‘Your visits are a great encouragement, but nothing is so disheartening as being unable to see.”
Yes we all need encouragement in one form or another. But, leaders please stop blowing bubbles like bubblegum. Don’t break open the word of God and cherry-pick the parts people want to hear.
Here I go, this feel good never get your feelings hurt belief isn’t biblical. I hate to see your heart break, but this fluff and stuff isn’t the good news or HEARTBEAT of the gospel. Biblical truth has been replaced by social tolerance, and it is sad.
The founder of World Vision Bob Pierce wisely said, “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” The world will never know the love of God until we learn how to share the truth of the gospel message. That is how to save a life.
HOW DID WE GET HERE? It’s BEYOND ME how we’ve become feel-good love addicts and party people. Thinking positive doesn’t make life a bed of roses. Even when things aren’t positive, THIS IS LIVING.
POSITIVITY?
Before Jerry and I had our talk about my book, I shared with him about my accident and how the doctors, family and friends chose to TELL ME the truth about how bad my health and accident was.
They could’ve said something positive to raise me up and make me feel good. They could’ve tried to SPEAK LIFE into me—which is another new age and twisted teaching.
That is why I’d rather be told the harsh truth than a flat out lie. Jesus promised that it’s the truth that really sets us free (John 8:32, 36). But honestly, I didn’t really like the truth. I became depressed and miserable.
At first, I wanted to fight God. I wanted to play the guitar again. I wanted to tear up the dance floor again. Then I prayed for God to help me to be who He wanted me to be—I prayed for GOD’S WILL.
Then I realized, LOVE IS HERE. As God’s messangers we share about our trials and tribulations and how God brought us through difficulties, to encourage others (1 John 4:12–19).
How God takes all of the BAD things in life and turns them into GOOD STUFF (Romans 8:28), that should leave us vibin'.
