Orthodoxy or the adherence to authorized doctrines, leaves a very important question: who is qualified to be the authority conferring such status? During the long history of the church being declared a heretic has often proved fatal. This is directly counter to what Jesus taught. In fact many of the actions taken by religious authorities under the banner of orthodoxy are downright satanic.
As recorded in Matthew 23, Jesus publicly condemned the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. He made it quite clear that his followers shouldn’t seek titles or rely on those who lay claim to titles. Further, he clearly told his followers to whom to turn to for instruction.
Matthew 23:8-10 [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. [9] And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. [10] Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
Stating what you believe or have come to know as truth is your testimony. However, proclaiming what others must believe is something quite different. Jesus did not establish a church hierarchy, rather he specifically forbade one. Centralized systems are brittle and fragile. Simply infect the hierarchy with enemy forces and then twist it to a different end. The religiously obedient will simply rely upon their authorities to tell them what to believe.
The end result being people without an understanding of who they truly are: beloved children of God. Oh they may outwardly be perfect religious creatures who obey the rules, pay their tithes, attend services and even serve their community but lacking meaningful spiritual depth.
There is a reason for this: the desire to control. Seeking to enforce your will against others is not what Christ desires and is satanic. People who have a deep spiritual connection to Christ, who are secure in who they are and who joyfully walk in the love of their creator simply can’t be controlled. As Paul stated in his first letter to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 [15] The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. [16] “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Spirit connected people may attend services and look just like traditionally religious folk or they may look radically different. Either way they are internally controlled not externally controlled. They understand what Paul meant in:
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
They aren’t seeking anything externally, they understand that the fullness of God lives right within them. Not far away in heaven, right here, right now.
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