It is rare that a preacher or Bible class teacher doesn’t receive some criticism for being “negative” in their presentation of God’s Word. To be sure, preachers/teachers need to express balance in all they say. God’s Word is faithful in revealing man’s problems and providing solutions. When both are taught God’s people are convicted and offered the wisdom and power to overcome those things undesirable in God’s sight. Why then can good intentioned brethren be tempted to be critical of God’s Word and not view it as good news? Perhaps it is a matter of the heart of the listener!
In Isaiah 5:20-21 the great prophet illuminates the heart condition of those who have become corrupt in their thinking. He states: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness: Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight.” Paul would make a similar observation of those who idolized their own thinking and did not know God. These were not thankful, and did not rightly understand God’s Word. Paul reveals the outcome: “… (they) became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…” Romans 1:21-22 May we never fall into such a condition as this! How can we know our hearts? God’s word provides a guide.
The parable of the soils taught by Jesus can assist us in determining how we are receiving the good news of truth. (Matthew 13:1-23) If our hearts are hardened by unrepentant sin the good news will become bad news every time. If our hearts are uncommitted and our faith shallow the good news will be completely ineffective in our lives. If our hearts carry unresolved anger, fear, worry and doubt the good news will make us guilt ridden and cause us to stumble. But, if our hearts are humble, trusting, and submissive the good news will be just that, good news and our lives will be blessed.
Another aspect of this question concerning good news becoming bad news is the activity of Christian service in one’s life. We have all heard folks complain about a sermon and say: “I just didn’t get anything out of that sermon!” Well for sure there are times when there isn’t much to get but these I believe are few and far between. Generally speaking when someone makes this statement I would be inclined to see just how active they are in God’s service.
One woman complained about the evangelistic efforts of another sister who was inspired by a series of lessons on Soul Winning given by their preacher. Interestingly enough the sister accused of being too pushy had successfully shared the good news of the Gospel with 3 women that year while the one criticizing had never led a soul to the Savior. I t was also true that the critical sister was often negative about the preacher’s sermons as well, while the other was often encouraged. The difference I believe rests in the idea that one was emptying her spiritual cup each week in Christian service and was “hungering and thirsting…” (Matthew 5:6) for God’s word needing to be fed and made fit for continued service. The critical sister was suffering from what is sometimes called: “spiritual indigestion” having been fed and fed but never using what was placed within for God’s work. She simply couldn’t take any more spiritual food in!
Sisters, as we approach our worship each week let’s look at our hearts and be honest about our service for the Lord. Question, are we baring good spiritual fruit in our character? Are we influencing others both in our homes and our communities for Christ? Let’s guard our hearts and get busy lest we become one of those of whom Isaiah spoke who call good evil and evil good. Let us never place ourselves in a situation of woe but continue to blossom and grow.
–By Laura Dayton