LCG: How Dare You Have A Critical Opinion! How Dare You!

 

First, it was matzos that those sinful LCG members fell flat on—literally. Now it's daring to question leaders. Can't you LCG brethren, ever do anything right? (Spoiler: Apparently not, according to Charlotte.)

Here we have another uplifting Sabbath message from Dr. Douglas S. Winnail, dripping with that signature blend of gentle correction and implied spiritual peril. Because nothing says "profitable Sabbath" like being reminded—yet again—that your opinions are probably from Satan, and questioning authority is basically the modern equivalent of Korah's rebellion.Christ’s Mind or Our Opinions?

How many times have you said or heard, “Here is how I see it,” or “Here is what I think,” or—gasp—“Here is how I think it should be done?” All too often, these dangerous, divisive comments are directed at people in leadership positions—even in the Church! (The horror!)

Moses was criticized by men who held different opinions (Numbers 16:1–33). Peter differed with Jesus over a matter and even rebuked Christ (Matthew 16:21–23). In both cases, the people expressing those critical opinions did not recognize the real source of their negative and divisive thoughts and actions. (Hint: It wasn't the Holy Spirit giving them discernment—it was obviously pride, rebellion, or worse.)

Before we start sharing our pesky “different” opinions, we need to remember God’s warning: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). We also need to remember Solomon’s timeless wisdom: “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11). (Translation: Shut up and submit—true wisdom looks a lot like silence.)

As true Christians, we need to develop a godly perspective that reflects the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5). Which, conveniently, seems to align perfectly with whatever headquarters has decided this week.

Christ’s Mind or Our Opinions? How many times have you said or heard, “Here is how I see it,” or “Here is what I think,” or “Here is how I think it should be done?” All too often these comments are directed at people in leadership positions—even in the Church. Moses was criticized by men who held different opinions (Numbers 16:1–33). Peter differed with Jesus over a matter and even rebuked Christ (Matthew 16:21–23). In both cases, the people expressing critical opinions did not recognize the real source of their negative and divisive thoughts and actions. Before we start sharing our “different” opinions, we need to remember God’s warning, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). We also need to remember Solomon’s warning, “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11). As true Christians, we need to develop a godly perspective that reflects the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5). 

Have a profitable Sabbath, 

Douglas S. Winnail

Translation for the rest of us Laodiceans still clinging to our dangerous "opinions": First headquarters polices your unleavened bread recipe (too fluffy? Too tasty? Too innovative? Straight to the sin bin). Now they're policing your very thoughts. Because nothing fosters unity like constantly reminding members that disagreeing—even politely, even privately—is proof you're not really converted.

At this rate, the next update will warn against breathing too independently, lest it reflect "our ways" instead of God's. After all, why risk members thinking for themselves when you can just quote scripture to keep everyone in line?

Keep those mouths shut, and those minds blank, brethren. Charlotte knows best. Always has. Always will. Or at least that's the official opinion we're allowed to have.