Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the
rudiments of the world, why, as though living
in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(Touch not; taste not; handle not; which
all are to perish with the using;) after the
commandments and doctrines of men?
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom
in will worship, and humility, and neglecting
of the body; not in any honor to the
satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians 2:20-23
Liberal Christians are often subject to the world's opinion as to what should be done in our lives. This world's culture has become obsessed with nutrition, and foods that would do something beneficial to the body but have little, if any, scientific basis. This world's culture presents in appearance of wisdom but in actuality this is a "rabbit" trail leading people, either to spend money, or to feel that they are not attractive, or that to feel better about themselves they must do this or that, when in fact just eat, just live, and not worry about that which is perishing. Many Christians follow after the "fads" and in some way hold contempt for others who do not eat certain foods, or take certain supplements, teaching that this is not the way for a person to live. "I am a vegan," cries one, and other "I am taking that which has been purported to give good heath," don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, or wine, or soft drinks, etc., and all the while the path to life, to eternal life, gets pushed into the background. A liberal Christian looks exactly like a non-Christian, only they go to Church, or to other events attempting to veil over this discreption.
What the liberal Christian is doing is to substitute the Gospel into another gospel, another commandment or teaching of this world. What too many people believe is that something else is needed, is necessary, and Christ' work on the cross is replaced by man's effort to save themselves, to live longer, to be better and Scripture becomes less necessary for life.
Authentic Christians see the difference between these cultural teachings, and see the difference that the Bible teaches between what is Authentic Christian Faith, that is, Authentic Christians see the merit of Authentic Christian Faith and God's grace. If we do not see the difference between liberal Christianity and Authentic Christianity we are saying in effect that we will provide for ourselves even to provide our salvation. The fact is: liberal Christianity is hopeless under the load of sin. Liberal Christianity enters into the place that is hopeless reckoning with God. Liberal Christians never come to the place in their lives as to whether or not they have done enough so by piece work they strive to be "good people" or to be "good Christians," and lean on their own merit. Remember this fact: Jesus Christ will do everything or nothing, it is up to us to throw ourselves unreservedly on His mercy and trust Him for all things.
A sad fact is that within the Churches of Christianity matters of indifference have become matters of difference leading people down another "rat hole" or another "path" a path of least resistance. They find it easier to debate the indifference than to live the difference that is based solely on what Scripture has clearly defined as to how Authentic Christians are to live. Where or what is your emphasis, this world's culture, or Authentic Christianity, or your denominations particulars or what Scripture describes as to what is Authentic and what is necessary for Authentic Christians? All this backbiting is taking away from the dispensing of the Gospel: do not become part of this backbiting. Do not become so involved in eating certain foods, or doing certain things that are only things that are perishing and not things that encourage a person to live as God has shown to us how to live.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God, and keep His commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Rest in the Lord: not man
Richard L. Crumb
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