What Sounds Smart Today May Look Stupid Tomorrow

This morning my pastor quoted Matthew Henry’s commentary on James 2:1-4, where the great Christian writer stated as follows:

But we must be careful not to apply what is here said to the common assemblies for worship; for in these certainly there may be appointed different places of persons according to their rank and circumstances, without sin.

Interestingly enough, the passage is speaking to exactly that same issue, but Henry is blinded by the culture of his day and perceives the established tradition to be acceptable.  Its easy to throw stones at Matthew Henry, but I realized that I need to take a moment to look at myself.  If a guy like Matthew Henry can study his Bible and invest his life in Christian service and still miss the mark in his life, I’m certain I’ve got some blind spots that I need to be on the lookout for.  This morning I took a few minutes to think of some ways to identify blind spots in my life.

1. Pray for wisdom from God to recognize where I’m not living as I should.
2. Listen to the Word of God and apply its light to all traditions, practices, and applications.  Nothing is off limits.
3. Listen to critiques of Christianity by unbelievers.
4. Listen to critiques of my Christian subculture by those who are not part of it.
5. Listen to critiques of individual of other generations.
6. Seek insight from Christian brothers I rub shoulders with.
7. Repeat.