Trailblazers: Avoid Bad Blazers

Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Isaiah 9:16 (NIV)

Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.

Matthew 15:14 (NIV)

If Jesus is the helpful Light (He is!)… and Satan is the harmful light (he is), then Jesus is the Flame of the Spirit and Satan is the burning fire of hell. And,

They’re both blazing trails.

  • The path of Christ is wonderfully good, but fearfully hard: like walking uphill, through brambles and brush. Your muscles may ache. Your skin might get scratched… but you grow stronger and wiser each day!

  • The path of Satan is temptingly bad, but all too easy: like coasting down in a train without breaks. Muscle’s not needed. It seems oh-so-plush, but at the end is a horrid surprise.

Whether knowingly or unknowingly, bad trailblazers work for the enemy. Satan’s got a team of fast-talking guides. Millions jump on their trains and follow them. 

Even Christians are conned by their slick charm. They twist and quote Scripture to fit their plans.

Proud, loud, hateful, and angry church-goers are quick to condemn…

  • Government laws, political leaders, and all the policies that offend them.

  • Lifestyles, cultures, and denominations that don’t look, act, or worship like they do.

  • Worldly people who don’t (yet) know Jesus, along with prodigals and miscreants.

  • The celebrities and popular shows of film, fashion, music and theatre.

But is condemning them our commission? Is it our business?

  • Jesus said, 'I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world' (John 12:47). Did He preach, teach, or speak out against it? Of adulters? Of crucifiers? Of Roman laws, soldiers, or governors?

  • Paul said, 'What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?' (1 Corinthians 5:12), and told us to be: 'Subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established' (Romans 13:1).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Consider John’s words: 'My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world' (1 John 4:1, The Message).

Consider two Cross-examinations: 

  1. First and foremost, Cross-examine yourself. 'Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults' (Psalm 19:12). Ask the Lord to reveal your secret sins– that you may know them, confess, and repent.*

  2. Cross-examine the Christians who lead YOU. Examine their lifestyles. Are they humble? Search out their words in biblical context… which means you MUST read the Bible yourself– and especially the Words of Jesus!

As His commissioned and trail-blazing stars, these examinations are critical and necessary to stay on His path!

Trailblazers: Avoid Bad Blazers (Part 3)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Psalm 19:7-14: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+19%3A7-14&version=NASB

Carey Arban