Deconstruction: Destruction With a Con
Truth is our friend, our shield against lies and deception. We are to love it, to live it, and defend it. And there’s only one place to find it—the Word of God. Before we drill into today’s topic, let’s refresh our thinking from God’s Word: “…there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies…many will follow their sensuality and because of them the truth will be maligned and in their greed they will exploit you with false words” (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
We’ve heard of con jobs and con men, both of which intend to prey on innocents. I learned a new word recently and I’m appalled at its proliferation within the Christian community. I’ve coined the definition in today’s title because, as you’ll see, this is a con perpetrated by self-centered, anti-authority types, who would drag the church of Jesus through the mud of self-aggrandizement and disrespect of all authority.
What is one thing
that many of a con’s targets have in common? What makes them an easy target? I believe it’s the same thing that has allowed deconstruction to have broad success in today’s church. It is lack of knowledge. We are encouraged to be like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11)” What things? The word of God preached by Paul and Silas.
But, alas, many church-goers aren’t interested in growing their Biblical knowledge. They get their ticket punched on Sunday then live with little or no discernable difference from the rest of the world the other six days. They’re sheep being led to slaughter by Satanic influence. And isn’t that an interesting word which has become a badge of online success: Influencer?
Ask yourself,
“What are they influencing me to do, to think about, to become?” If it isn’t aligned with God’s word, it isn’t worth spending any time or thought on regardless of their motive. It’s a sad state of affairs when deconstruction has spawned an exodus of people from the faith, who blindly follow the latest fad, fueled by social media, led by supposed philosophers (and theologians) who promote everything but obedience to Christ.
One authority on deconstruction is a book titled: The Destruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by authors Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett (available on Amazon). Also, some thoughts here were sparked by Bill Spencer, USAF, Ret.
For those of us
who are on the narrow path to the narrow gate that leads to our future home, this is not a cause for alarm. Nothing sneaks up on God nor does anything happen without His approval. Why is that important? Because we’re on the winning team even if we occasionally lose sight of that. God will protect His church and bring us safely home in His time. Perhaps we see Scripture being lived out in real-time: “It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1Pet. 4:17).
Knowledge of Scripture
is our only offensive weapon to combat the tricks of our adversary. When Jesus was tempted, each response started out, “It is written…” Can we, with the psalmist say, “Your word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You.” (Ps. 119:11). The more of the Word we have stored up in our heart, the more peace we have in the storms of life. It is also the best way to know God intimately. “Establish Your word to Your servant as that which produces reverence for You.” (Ps.119:38).
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness…then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation and keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.” (2 Pet. 2:4-10)
If we’re not in the Word
like the Bereans (daily), we can’t expect to have a personal, trusting relationship with our Father. Scripture also tells us, “…to obey is better than sacrifice” (1Sam. 15:22).
In our last post, Rewards or Remorse, we were reminded that obedience is what produces rewards. But more importantly, it is what allows us to enjoy close fellowship with our Savior now and for eternity; no shame, no coulda, woulda, shoulda, just a loving and peace-filled eternity with our Father and Brother. Whatever it takes this side of heaven, you won’t regret it. I promise.
Steps To Salvation
If this post has sparked an interest but you aren’t sure you’re part of God’s family, click the link above for a simple outline to know for sure.