A common mindset · The Disciple Machine

A common mindset

One of the biggest mistakes churches and Believers make is measuring God’s favor by outward success.

I once attended a church that was growing, meeting its budget, and doing well. The pastor said, “God is blessing us because we are doing things right.” But later, when trouble came, the message changed: “Satan is attacking us because we are doing things right.”

So success proved the church was righteous, and suffering proved the church was righteous too.

That is dangerous thinking.

The same attitude was placed on people. If someone was doing well, it was assumed they were obeying God. If someone was struggling financially, depressed, or had a child in the hospital, some assumed they must not be doing what God wanted.

But Scripture does not teach that life is that simple.

Jesus said God “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” — Matthew 5:45

Bad things happen to people who love God. Good things happen to people who reject God. Trials are not automatic proof of disobedience, and success is not automatic proof of righteousness.

Yes, biblical wisdom matters. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” — Galatians 6:7. Sin brings consequences. Foolish choices can destroy a life. Wisdom can reduce chaos.

But wisdom is not the gospel.

The law can reveal sin, but it cannot save the sinner. “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” — Romans 3:20. The law can expose the problem, but only Christ provides the cure.

That is why we cannot lean on law-keeping as our hope.

Our hope is not that we followed the rules well enough. Our hope is Jesus Christ.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

Rules may help restrain behavior.

Faith in Christ saves the soul.

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A common mindset