The Importance of Reading Scripture for One's Self
Not Relying on Spiritual Leaders
Preachers, teachers, apologists, commentators, theologians: the list of spiritual leaders is numerous. Podcasts, videos, churches, Bible studies, commentaries, books, devotionals, retreats, seminars: spiritual resources are in abundance. Music, movies, television, social media platforms, literature: even the arts have been infiltrated with spiritual influence. So why does Christianity seem to be feeble?
When one thinks of the saints of the past, names such as William Wilberforce, John Newton, Martin Luther, Apostle Paul, Amy Carmichael, Charles Spurgeon, Corrie ten Boom, Billy Graham, Jim Elliot, CS Lewis, Lemuel Hayes, Benjamin Mays, St. Nicholas, Jonathon Edwards, Hudson Taylor, and Oswald Chambers come to mind. These are just a few of the great spiritual leaders who have impacted the Christian faith. Modern spiritual leaders include big names like Joel Osteen, Steven Furtick, Greg Locke, Voddie Baucham, James Dobson, Beth Moore, Franklin Graham, Charles Stanley, Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, John Piper, James White, Lisa Teurkst, Stormie Omartian, Paul Washer and many many more. Their Biblical philosophies are a wide spectrum. Their followers are loyal, defensive, and aggressive.
With all this in mind, it is easy to be lazy and dependent in our Bible studies. As Christians, we rely on our favorite theologian and the most engaging, interesting spiritual presentations. We may read a short devotional or a couple of Bible verses throughout the week, but we don’t really have to dig into the Word because our leaders will feed it to us. Besides, life is too busy and stressful for us to have to exert ourselves and sacrifice our time for something that is so easily attainable.
The problem becomes that we begin to depend on and revere men more than the Holy Spirit. While all of these resources are great and of use, they should not be our primary go to. We must rely, more strongly, on the Holy Spirit for direction. God will speak to all of us, as believers. He will guide all Christians into truth. We don’t have to function off of regurgitated philosophy and theology. This is why Christianity is weak today. This is why so many Christians have become idolatrous. This is why Christianity seems to be on life-support. We have surrendered our communication and relationship with the Father and welcomed, in its place, the interpretations of men.
Psalm 14:2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Proverbs 18:7 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 63:1 ou, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
So, while it is ok to look to spiritual leaders for help, they should not be the first place we go. While it is helpful to utilize our many Biblical resources, none of them should ever take precedence over God’s Word. 1. Always begin your Bible time in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. Depend on the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth. 2. Before going to a commentary or sermon or lesson, go the Bible. Contemplatively and passionately read God’s Word. 3. Don’t believe any teaching that goes against the character of God. 4. Remember that just because a spiritual leader is right in one aspect of his theology does not mean he/she is right 100% of the time. 5. Your primary loyalty must lie with the Savior.