They are simple phrases. They sound Christian – like something you might find in the Bible. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. These cultural myths have been accepted as Scriptural truth and too many people follow them down blind alleys.
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Half-Truths
We Have No Right to Judge
August 7, 2016
by Mark Stuenzi
Just call something a sin and see how long it takes someone to quote Jesus in Matthew 7:1: "Judge not!" But Jesus didn't say, “Judge not,” followed by a period or an exclamation point. He said, “Do not judge,” followed by a clarification of what type of judgments to make, when to make them, and how to make them. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul adds clarity when he tells us to “judge those inside the church,” not those on the outside.
God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle
August 14, 2016
by Mark Stuenzi
This phrase is often spoken by well-meaning people looking to comfort someone who is going through a difficult trial. It's actually a misquotation of 1 Corinthians 10:13. And while God does promise that He will never allow you to face a temptation that is beyond your strength, He doesn't promise that we will never face difficult trials. But, trials are exactly what drive us into the arms of God and cause us to depend more heavily on Him.
Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
August 21, 2016
by Jason Castelli
The idea that our conscience is a trustworthy moral guide is a myth. Our conscience doesn't tell us if we're violating God's standards.; it only tells us when we're violating our own standards. Our sin nature can cloud our understanding of spiritual truth and God's leading. Over time, if you continue in sin, your conscience can become calloused and lose its sensitivity. Our conscience is a valuable early warning device, but it should not be completely trusted.
God Is All You Need
August 28, 2016
by Dan White
Although it’s true that each one of us must make a personal decision to follow Christ, we were never intended to follow alone. The phrase “personal relationship with Jesus” can imply that we don’t need anyone else to help us grow in our faith and stay on track spiritually. But the truth is “life is better connected.”
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
September 4, 2016
by Mark Stuenzi
While many people believe this statement is from the Bible, it was actually made popular by Benjamin Franklin. And even though it's true that we honor God by taking personal responsibility for our lives, the core idea of this phrase can lead to some unbiblical ideas. A lack of concern and generosity for the poor, and a terrible misunderstanding of the message of the Gospel are just a few of the ways this phrase can deceive us.