Authority

A few years ago I met a young lady on one of those online dating sites. She was a beautiful young lady and a Christian. Well, as we began to talk to each other about our beliefs, the subject of tithing arose. We were polar opposites on this view. She believed that it was a Christian's duty to tithe. I believe that tithing is not for a Christian, but was done under the Mosaic Law to support the Levitical Priesthood. To support her view, she used Matthew 23:23. In it we read, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others." I guess she believes this passage was said to Christians when it clearly said to Jewish scribes and Pharisees under the Law. When I offered up my defense that tithing is not mentioned anywhere in the New Covenant, and that we are to excel in the "grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7)," her response was to say that I needed to be under the "authority of a pastor!" I was speechless. I can only imagine that she such a thing because, at the time, I didn't have a consistent Christian fellowship to attend. Therefore, I must have come this "heretical" view of tithing because I didn't have a pastor leading me around by the nose. Honestly, this said more about her than it did me. But, I digress. My point is not about tithing, but the assumption many Christians make that their pastors are telling them the truth. I put forth that they may not even be Christian in many cases. One of my favorite quotes on this subject is the following:

"Now it may be a shock to discover this, but just because a person is in a position of authority in a church, this does not mean that they know the Gospel, or are spiritually alive."

This particular lady I have been mentioning admitted attending the church of one of the most popular, but heretical, Christian evangelists in the world. I, for one, do not believe this pastor to be a Christian. Not because a member of their flock holds a different view of tithing than I do, but for other reasons. For example, this pastor is on record as saying, "Jesus didn't come as God, He came as a man, and He did not come perfect." This is 100% heresy. Yet, it would seem that this dear, young lady I met was under this pastor's "authority.

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." 2 Peter 2:1-3

How many Christians out there believe that we have to be under the "authority" of a pastor? They, effectively, give up their own relationship with the Lord and give it over to their pastors. The result of this is that they end up discerning scripture and everything pertaining to their faith through what has been taught to them. Their faith is in their pastor, not in Jesus Christ. And in the case of this particular pastor, they are not Christian. That begs the question, "If your pastor is not in the Lord, and you've put your faith in them, are you in the Lord?" As Peter has said, many people will follow the shameful ways of people who have denied the sovereign Lord. This lady I met is a perfect example of this. And even worse is that she ended up condemning me because I dare question a belief of hers. Their are many Christians who have faith in, and sworn allegiance to, their pastors and churches more than the Lord.

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Obviously, this allegiance to men (and women) is not something new. Paul talked about people following him and others to the point where their faith was divided. We all say we are followers of Christ. But, we define our faith through our churches, our teachers, or whatever influences us the most. Question a teaching of the Pope and be prepared for the wrath of the Catholics. Question John Calvin's teaching on predestination and election and let the argument begin. It goes on and on. When we put faith in men, and their teachings, we end up having to defend them even if we are wrong. It is as if we develop an unteachable spirit because our religious pride will not allow us to be taught or question our beliefs. We must realize that if we have been taught anything that is true is was revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that taught Paul, Apollos, Cephas and whoever what they teach. If it is true, it comes from the Lord, not from man. We our under the authority of Jesus Christ and not a teacher. We go to Him when we need direction in our lives regardless of the situation or the teaching.