Lovingly Leave Them

6-8-2010
Lovingly Leave Them

There are many times where we struggle to leave a certain business, relationship, group, etcetera. Here’s another great one from Wisdom Hunters to aid those of you that may be in that place in your life.

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Matthew 15:14

There comes a time that an individual Christian is led by the Lord to leave their church, because their church has left their convictions in Christ’s teachings. Sadly, there are times that a Christian congregation is led by the Lord to leave their denomination, because their denomination has left their belief in the Bible. Staying is a sin, if the Lord leads to leave.

Why is it important for us to separate ourselves from false teachers who are offended by the truth of Jesus’ teaching? One major reason is this path of apostasy leads to spiritual death. Do you want to follow a shepherd who denies the deity of the Great Shepherd Jesus? Do you want to associate with a church that denies that Jesus is coming back for His bride the church? Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands.

“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21).

Christianity is not a menu of beliefs that is itemized and selected, only as it fits into the mainstream acceptance of the culture. On the contrary, Christianity is meant to transform the culture with its conviction in Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection to give us His life—all by grace through faith. Spiritual guides that define God in their trivial terms are blind and lead other blind followers into a pit of pride and eternal entrapment.

If you are hiking rough terrain is it be wise and responsible to follow a knowledgeable, well spoken, but blind folded guide? Of course not, neither do you blindly follow a spiritual leader, church or denomination that can’t see spiritually, because of their blind-fold of unbelief. You leave them because you love them too much to stay, and you pray by leaving that you can one day lead them into the light of spiritual sight.

Lastly—leave well—not maliciously but motivated by loving malcontent. Transition out in the Holy Spirit’s strength seasoned with a life of grace and humility. Make your leaving an illustration of why you are not staying—faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Leaving is not easy, but leaving as the Lord leads opens up eternal opportunities.

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).

How will my leaving affect the faith of my family and friends? Is love my motivation?

Related Readings: Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-23; Matthew 23:16-24; 1 Peter 5:2-4