What Would He Really Think of Me?

A month ago, a friend of mine told me, "John MacArthur probably wouldn't like your teaching."

It kind of hurt to hear that. Now, when I say that it hurt, please do not misunderstand me. When I say 'hurt', I'm not upset that my friend said what he said. In fact, I'm glad that he said it, even if it hurt a little bit. I wasn't hurt in the classical sense of having been offended, rather perhaps there was some truth in the statement.

You see, I like to think that John would like me. I prefer to think that way because I really respect John MacArthur and enjoy his teaching. He is much more knowledgeable and studied in the scriptures than I am, so I listen to what he says. Since I admire his teaching, I prefer to think that he would like mine. I would hope that if I were a part of his church, that he would encourage me to use the gifts that God has given me.

How would I respond if it were otherwise? I mean, suppose I went to John MacArthur's church and he gave a sermon about witnessinig or evangelism. And suppose that he saw me witnessing or doing my best to tell the good news, but just didn't like what he saw. How would that conversation go?

"Kevin..."

"Yes Pastor John."

"Kevin, do you remember when I taught last week about how every believer needs to be about the business of reaching the world for Christ?"

"Yes John. I really enjoyed that sermon. In fact, I've just written a book in an attempt to do exactly that."

"Well Kevin, that's the reason why I wanted to talk to you. I read your book yesterday and unfortunately, I was wrong in my sermon last Sunday. I no longer believe that every Christian should be doing their part to tell others about Jesus. After reading your book, I really don't think that you should be telling people about Jesus at all. I think that you should just help out in the nursery. I don't think that you could do as much damage there."

In short, I hope that my friend was wrong. (But there is a good chance that he is right.)