Shiny Bait usually comes with a Sharp Hook

I used to do a lot of deep sea fishing as a kid. We would fish for mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish, and marlin. When fishing for a big fish like a swordfish or marlin we would use a very big bait. We’d place a rubber lure that was about 8 inches, that was shiny, and had a lot of tassels hanging down from it over the hook. As we had it in the water the shiny parts would reflect the light of the sun, attracting the fish.

What we knew, that the fish didn’t was that there was a very large, sharp, 4 inch hook at the end of it. Once the fish took hold it almost never could shake free.

As a pastor there is something that I am seeing that is deeply concerning. There are well-known faith based organizations, ministries, pastors, and authors dangling all kinds of shiny bait within the church world. I don’t think its all intentional, but much of the shiny bait comes with a very sharp hook.

There are articles and videos being posted, and re-shared that have very twisted or no theological grounds to them whatsoever. Unfortunately, it’s easy to be attracted to some of the shiny rhetoric that is making its way around.

What I want (specifically) Christians to know is that just because a well-known ministry, pastor, or author makes a theological claim, that does not mean that their theology is vindicated. Many times their statement or claim is a scriptural reference or christian tradition taken extremely out of context.

So what do we do?

This is where a trusted local church comes in and why a strong christian community is so important. The community of faith which I am a part of is one that has a long standing understanding of scripture. One tested by scripture, reason, tradition, and experience. One that desires the reliability of its teachers, and seeks to make sure it’s not a fancy theology that exist to get more likes, re-shares, and money!

If you read something that seems to have the stamp of christian approval yet builds fear in your heart, it’s important to remember that perfect love cast out all fear. Therefore, our goal is never to live in a state of fear, nor perpetuate it. I’m not saying there aren’t issues to be concerned about, involved in, and educated on. That’s crucial. What I am saying is that it’s important not to give any and every source authority over your life just because it’s marked as “Christian.”

In my city I know many respected pastors and teachers who would be willing to have important theological conversations with you! Don’t be afraid to reach out and do the work of sifting through a certain theological thought.

In the meantime, let us be transformed by the renewal of our minds, not conforming to the patterns of the world.