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One of the subtle dangers in the Christian life is the temptation to react to error. We see an erroneous teaching or practice, and we rightly do not want to partake in it. But if we are not careful, we may react to the point of error on the other extreme.
The path of truth has a ditch on either side. God often warned His people not to turn “to the right hand or the left” but to stay straight on course with His word. Below are two examples:
“Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (Deuteronomy 5:32)
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7)
To the right of a truth is one error, and to the left is another. Many truths in the Scripture are taken out of context apart from the whole counsel of God’s Word. When this is the case, an error is created. But often, in an attempt to correct this error the “pendulum” is swung to the other side.
Examples of Reaction to Error
There are many examples of reaction to error that could be cited. Below are just a few examples of how reaction to one error can lead to an opposite error:
1. Reacting against legalism: The religious spirit can bring terrible bondage. Jesus warned about the “leaven of the Pharisees” and He had some pretty harsh words for those who were religious on the outside but did not have a true heart for God and others.
Some Christians who have come out of legalistic church backgrounds have reacted against the “religious spirit” to the point that they reject spiritual disciplines and call anyone who preaches holiness a “Pharisee.” Their goal is to be as non-religious as possible and in the process they embrace the opposite of legalism, which is license to sin.
2. Reacting against misuse of spiritual gifts: Some are turned off by the misuse or abuse of spiritual gifts. They see things done in the name of the Holy Spirit that are bizarre and unbiblical, and as a result they throw away the truth of the manifestation gifts of the Spirit.
3. Reacting against the “prosperity gospel”: There is no doubt that some ministers have taken the message of prosperity to unbiblical extremes and used the gospel as a means of greedy financial gain. This is a terrible error. But out of reaction to this error, some have taken on a poverty mindset, as if there is something holy about being poor and as if it is a sin to be wealthy.
4. Reacting to abusive leaders: Some believers have been under leaders that are controlling and abusive. This environment is one of fear instead of love. As a result, some have embraced the error on the other extreme; a rebellion against authority and a despising of leadership altogether.
The Key: Responding to Truth
Instead of reacting to error, we must learn to stand upon the truth of God’s Word. Reaction to error creates a faulty foundation, but God’s Word is a solid rock upon which to stand. It is important to become rooted in the whole counsel of Scripture and learn to respond to truth instead of reacting to error.
Instead of legalism or license, we must walk in a grace-empowered holiness.
Instead of denying the gifts or allowing their misuse, we must embrace the gifts of the Spirit and the order that God has prescribed for their use.
We don’t need to embrace a gospel of greed, but neither do we want to deny God’s provision and blessing.
Abusive leadership is a reality, but this does not remove the truth of God-ordained authority in the church.
Again, there are many other examples that could be given. But the point is clear: if we react to error we will most likely end up in an opposite error. I encourage you to avoid this temptation and be grounded in the revelation of the truth of God’s Word!
Questions: How have you seen reaction to error in your own life? What are some other examples of reaction to error that leads to an opposite error?
8 Comments
Thanks for this clear, strong teaching. I see so many Christians react to the things that turn them off in the church by getting completely out of fellowship. This of course sets them up for all kinds of trouble, even apostasy.
Very true Emily! That is another great example of reaction to error leading to error.
Great word, Jake. Yes, I have (over)reacted to error. I have been in houses of worship where it gets bizarre and no one in leadership acknowledges its weird and not of the Holy Spirit. This feels unsafe and I have run the other direction which for a time in my life meant that everything that happens has to have happened before and be recorded in Scripture. I don’t think that is correct either. God is creative and moves in many surprising ways, including the MANY one time surprises in the Bible.
I have seen others create whole “doctrines” out of their reactions, too. For example, a woman who has been abused by men, rejects that notion that it is her fault (which is true), but she goes to the extreme to so squarely plant the responsibility on the man’s lust that she adopts a doctrine that modesty does not matter–even in the church. (And if anyone says anything about immodesty, they are accused of trying to put blame/undo responsibility on women.)
May the Father help us stay in Him, in The Way, governed by love for Him and each other…by My Spirit, says the Lord. Thank you for the teaching you post. We need it and greatly appreciate it!
Those are good examples Liz. Thanks for the comment!
So true. I grew up in a legalistic environment and today I regret my reaction to it. If only I could have started out grounded in the Word instead of rules. Well, thank God I’m back on track, because of His grace of course, and I have a revelation of His Word for myself. That’s what I teach my children–to know your God intimately, know what His Word says for you, and you will always be successful.
Great comments Rae. So true that we need to know the Word for ourselves!
[…] not fall into the trap of reacting to error! Instead of reacting to error we need to respond to the revelation of truth found in God’s […]
[…] the “let’s be non-religious for the sake of being non-religious” spirit. I often mention that reaction to error causes error, and this is certainly the case here. If the devil cannot get us to embrace an error, he will seek […]