My Stupid Idea
Posted on June 30, 2011 by Kevin in A Word from Kevin | 
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I have this stupid idea that if each of us can stop thinking about ourselves for one minute, and humbly read the Scriptures without imposing our own preconceived ideas, pet theologies and personal preferences on them, that we will agree on the plain, simple truth of the Word of God. In this fantasy world of mine (you know, the one in which I have stupid ideas), even so-called difficult passages of Scripture fail to hinder us, because we no longer stand to lose or gain anything except the ability to know and follow God’s pure and perfect Word. In my enchanted and magical wonderland, we as disciples of Messiah are wholly submitted to the principles and commands of Scripture—no matter what they say, how they make us feel, or the cost that they insist we incur.
We aren’t concerned, for example, about whether or not Scripture treats people “fairly”—men and women, children and adults, Jews and Gentiles—we just trust that God’s way is fair. And we no longer approach Scripture out-of-balance—exaggerating and ignoring significant parts of it at will—making everything all about the Torah, or the Holy Spirit, or the One New Man, or The Name, or Israel, or even Yeshua (i.e. at the expense of the Father), or any other subject, object, movement or doctrine.
Instead, in this nonsensical dream of mine, we take the Word at its word, neither reading into nor robbing from it according to our own wishes, revelations, self-serving omissions, or self-seeking ends. In this place of my untamed imagination, we love God so much (and ourselves so little) that we don’t care whether what we do, believe, or champion appears to be of any worth whatsoever; whether living for God will make us indescribably happy, or profoundly and utterly miserable. All that matters to us (I whimsically and recklessly muse) is our radical devotion and undying allegiance to Adonai our Savior, and His Word.
But then… I awake and remember: we don’t want to be under God’s authority—just His protection. We don’t want His guidance—just His favor. We don’t want His Word, but we’ll gladly give ear to His Opinion, and weigh it against the amount of inconvenience, discomfort and pride it would cost us to actually abide by what He says.
Of course, we would never admit to such hypocrisy—indeed, most of us would probably insist that we’re complying with the Word just fine. But if that’s so, why aren’t our congregations full of new believers? Why don’t our children remain in the faith as adults?1 Why do barely 1/8th of Christians “believe everything [the Bible] says”?2 Why are rock-star preachers questioning the existence of hell?3 Why are alumni of one of the most respected evangelical colleges in America saying that they “do not believe there is anything wrong with being gay”?4 How did it come to this???
Humble yourself, my brother, my sister—you are not immune. Not only have we been infected by the world’s message of individualism, materialism and self-rule, but we have been willing participants in it—furthering its insidious agenda. That is what the usurping of Scripture’s authority and the exploitation of God’s Word buys us. It’s time to lay our Self down, and let the Word alone tell us what to think and do—accepting at face value its plain, simple teachings, and submitting ourselves only to His ways.
This “Word from Kevin” was previously published in Messianic Jewish Issues.
16 Responses to “My Stupid Idea”
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Ron Hill
30. Jun, 2011
The blight in the American “spiritual” scene is the darnel spawned by “Seeker-Friendly” theology of the 1980s which, of course, traces its roots far back to theology and its teachers from times gone by.
The bottom line is what a friend of ours said years ago-”How we live this life is how we will live in eternity.” In Hebraic thought, “the world to come”.
Many, though not all, of us who are Torah students of The Master need to scrutinize our thoughts and what we are being taught under the light of Torah, the Prophets, and The Writings including Matthew to Revelation. If we fail to “connect the dots” in what we call the Messianic Movement, we will have become another group in history’s lengthy collection of social clubs with a chaplain.
Norma Ragan
30. Jun, 2011
This was even better the second time. Thank you, Kevin, Esther, and the Boys
Vivian Clark
30. Jun, 2011
Excellent!!!
Regina Ford
30. Jun, 2011
AMEN!!! Your stupid idea is beautiful…Like Proverbs 30- ” every work of God proves true…don’t add or subtract anything from God’s Word.”
The LORD doesn’t ask our opinion, He is sovereign and Holy and there is no counsel, might or knowledge that can stand against His Word
Frank
30. Jun, 2011
Good Stuff!!
Melvin Merritt
30. Jun, 2011
Lad, at my age, 74, I hope you have a thousand more and I get to read and enjoy every one of them. This was truly a blessing for me, I just wish I had had 50 years ago.
Barbara
30. Jun, 2011
Kevin, I would like to join you in your “stupid idea” which actually isn’t stupid. If only I could become that selfless person and embrace the One who gave me true life.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and desires not only for yourself but for the Body.
Mrs.Zahnow
30. Jun, 2011
That would be exellent!
Miriam
30. Jun, 2011
How true! May God fill my whole being with that reverential awe that is due HIM; may I accept His Word–hook, line, and sinker. Thank you, Kevin, for “wording” it for me.
Lee
01. Jul, 2011
Thank You Kevin, I truly need to be on my face seeking HIS….
Robert Dungan
01. Jul, 2011
Being simple minded (when I’m at my best) I think of your comments this way; When I read The Inspired Word Of Almighty God, I should remind my SELF that He Who Causes To Become is speaking, and it’s a good idea for my SELF to shut up listen, because when I do, I hear what my Brothers and Sisters hear, and when we all heart The Word, of course we are in agreement.
Thank you for sharing the blessing of such a loving note from Our Heavenly Father, who I thank most of all in the name of his precious son Yeshua, His Messiah.
Tammy
03. Jul, 2011
I second that Barbara:-) Brother Kevin, you spoke my heart again. another great insight. I also very much enjoyed what you wrote in the article “Prepare the Way” in Jewish Voice. Very well said!
Cheryl
04. Jul, 2011
You have gotten to the heart of what matters. Praise G-d for eyes to see.
Ray S.
24. Jul, 2011
Would that we all had such a “stupid idea!” Kevin, achi, your idea is far from stupid. I think you could not be more right, and this article is a wake up call to the whole Body of Messiah, as Rav Shaul’s words in Ephesians 5.14: Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Messiah shall give thee light.
May He give all of us light according to His good pleasure! Shalom & Blessings b’Yeshua!
Nancy Santiago
27. Jul, 2011
If that is a “stupid idea” then may God continue to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise!
matthew wagman
31. Jul, 2011
The other day I got an insight into how childish we adults can be…I had asked my daughter to clean her room. She fought the idea would start then go off somewhere else. Big tears when I asked why it was not done and then it was can you help me, then it was I do not know where to start….. Are we all not unlike this child where G-d asks relatively little and watches us go through all the stages of resistance, attempted reconciliation, delays, asking for his help when we are well able to do and see….and truly we just need to accept his authority and direction.