Heresy is Less about Talking and More about Living

S - "But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be false teachers among you also, who will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, thus bringing on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their licentious ways, because of whom the way of truth will be reviled. And in greediness they will exploit you with false words, whose condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." (2 Peter 2:1-3 LEB)

O - I used to think that "denying" was exclusively theological in nature.  If my theology on the identity of Jesus is "off" then I'm denying him.  This thinking was inspired and encouraged by all my religious training.  What I didn't see was that the demons always had accurate theology when they came in contact with Jesus.  They always knew and openly confessed his true identity.  Historically, the folks who launched the Crusades of the Middle Ages confessed the creed … but, like the demons, they lived in open denial and rebellion to the person and teaching of Jesus.  History and our current day are full of people who hold to "orthodox theology" about Jesus and are driven by greed and self-promotion.  Jesus left his followers only one assignment that if they would engage the world (secular and religious) would know that they are actually following him and that the Father did send him.  That assignment? To love each other (cf. John 13:35; 15:13; 17:23).  Wouldn't anyone who alters, ignores, minimizes or refuses this assignment be "denying the Master who bought them"?  Of the religious and theologically elite the Apostle Paul wrote: "For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ," (Philippians3:18 LEB)

A - Jesus has been teaching me that loving is more important than being right.  If I love him I'll end up not only accurate in my theology but empowered in my living and transformed in my thinking.  To God and his Kingdom, nothing is more important than love.  It's not accuracy which will keep me from denying him … but love will.  I choose to accept the assignment Jesus has given to all.  I will love all … it is the greatest ands the greatest commandment.  Everything hangs on it and if I do it not only will others know, I myself will live.

P - Lord Jesus,

The remedy and repelling of denying you is love, not theology.  Thank you for loving us first and most and for refusing to change your mind.  Today, while it is called today, I choose to accept the assignment you've given to all.  I will love you back with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and my neighbor as myself.  I will believe you about earth and not just about heaven. 

All my love,

Steve