Flawed Theology

This is going to be a quick one.

I have been a pastor for almost 25 years.  Over and over and over I have taught people God is not a formula.  If you do A and B then He will do C.

It doesn’t matter what result you want in C–you don’t get to control the outcome.  So if you want salvation, it is not as easy as confess and be baptized then you are saved–it is much more complex.  If you want healing it is not so simple as calling the elders to come and anoint you with oil.  God doesn’t work on formulas.

It is funny, however, now I am looking for formulas.

Wendy and I were having coffee.  I was running through my mind, “What did I do wrong? Why did God bring me here to drop me?  Was it some sin?  Did I not listen to His leading?”  Wendy got kind of testy.  She can do that.  She said, “No.  You followed the call.  You did what God wanted you to do.  Lives were changed.  Eyes were opened.  Just because you were faithful doesn’t mean you get an easy ride.”

Sheesh.  I think I knew that.

Strange, though, how when you are facing issues in your own life, the first thing you look for is a formula.  What do you know, put people in a garden, tell them to stay away from the tree, and before long they are making their own decisions.

Those decisions have an effect on everyone down stream.

Just because I didn’t pee in the water doesn’t mean I get to drink the clean stuff.

Thanks, Wendy for reminding me what I already knew.

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5 Responses to Flawed Theology

  1. Jane Farrell says:

    Wendy, isn’t that the truth! But God is still God and He is still the One we choose to bow before even with a headache. Jane Farrell

    P.S. I really do have a headache, but that has nothing to do with anything.
    Love you guys.

  2. Steve says:

    “Just because I didn’t pee in the water doesn’t mean I get to drink the clean stuff.”

    Classic!

  3. c says:

    BTW Jerimiah, when you do My bidding they will beat the snot out of you. Ya’ll be careful now,

  4. Tom Dodson says:

    Derrick,
    For the first 40 years I drank the pee water because I was told that it was the pure un-
    adulterated word of God. Because of you and some just like you I became aware that the pure water came from God himself. Hard for me to believe that I thought the pee water was holy. Thanks Derrick,
    Tom

  5. Carol Samples says:

    Wendy, I love your insight and how you cut through the muck and say it straight out. I am going through a lot of stuff right now too, but I am questioning my faithfulness to get to the other side of these situations…can I withstand the test…it just reminds me that I need God more than ever.

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