Many years ago, Folgers coffee ran commercials in which someone secretly exchanged a gourmet coffee with their brand. Of course, in the commercials, the unsuspecting coffee drinkers could not tell the difference. Additionally, many even claimed Folgers was better than the original brand.
Sadly, I see a similar trend prevalent in Christian circles – not with coffee, but with preaching and teaching. Many preachers today stand a passionately deliver messages to people who stand in great need to hear from God. But some deliver what amounts to a coach’s locker room speech rather than a clear, anointed message from God’s Word. They exchange the gourmet truth of God’s Word with the Folgers crystals of human insight and perspective.
Things to Consider Before Drinking the Folgers
- Teaching can “sound good” but not be good and sound. Twice in the book of Proverbs (14:12 and 16:25) Solomon reminds us of this truth.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Most of the time, the Mrs. Olsens of the Church do not serve a cup full of poison. In fact, what they say sounds reasonable and good most of the time. But if the message is not based on, rooted in, and filled through with God’s Word, it is merely a speech.
- We become satisfied with substitute when we quit tasting the original.
On his second missionary journey, Paul encountered a group of Jesus followers in Berea who would not tolerate “Folgers” teaching. They “examined the Scriptures daily.” (Acts 17:10-15) I developed an appreciation for coffee later in life. I never did like coffee from a can. When I was introduced to finer coffees, I finally grew to enjoy it.
- We enjoy affirmation and encouragement while we bristle at challenge and reproof.
Paul reminded his young charge Timothy that he would encounter people with “itching ears.” These preachers and teachers merely scratch their itch rather than root out the source of the itch. (2 Timothy 4:3-4). When we are cold, we will drink the first warm cup that comes along. When we hurt, we will pop the first analgesic that we can find. We need to exercise caution when it comes to our spiritual health.
Replacing Folgers Crystals with the Real Deal
1. Familiarize yourself with genuine truth and you will find no satisfaction in the phony. Substance will always satisfy more than fluff. Read your Bible daily. (Proverbs 3:1-4)
2. Listen to preaching and teaching critically. By critically, I do not mean that you should criticize your preachers and teachers. Rather, listen with not only your eyes open, but also your brain open. Ask yourself, “How much Bible is in this?” Does the preacher/teacher let the Bible speak for itself? Or does the preacher/teacher use the Bible merely to support his or her own ideas? Is the Bible primary in the teaching or only supportive? Is the Bible mentioned at all?” John encourages us to “test” what we hear and make sure it is God speaking and not man. (1 John 4:1)
3. Refuse to be satisfied with less than God’s Word for your spiritual direction. As a preacher and teacher, I will be the first to say that I am human and prone to imperfection. But God’s Word will NEVER fail you. What God told Joshua is true for us today. If we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we will find ultimate success. (Joshua 1:8)
Read also – A Time for Gathering Stones