I have noticed that many Christians leave the conservative movement as a reaction to criticism from some of the "brethren." While they were not "liberal" or "compromising" in their beliefs or practices before their attacks, they actually become so when they go too far in their reaction to attacks from their peers. They now become what they were not because they did not respond correctly to satanic attacks brought by jealous, backslidden, or even lost people who once named them as friends. I hate to see any Christian or preacher become disillusioned and hurt with fundamentalism because of the anti scriptural behavior of a fundamentalist. Here are some principles that have helped me when dealing with the foolishness that is in the ministry and our movement.
1. The fundamentals are right because they are Biblical, even if some fundamentalists are morons!
2. The local church is what matters, what others say outside your local church is unimportant!
3. Never let critics determine the direction of your life or ministry!
4. Don't waste your time defending yourself. Your friends don't need you to explain yourself and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
5. Do what God leads you to do and do not worry if the paper, school, fellowship, or if pastor _____ does not like it. God called you to be you.
6. Do not be enamored with all of the "new" philosophies. Remember there is really nothing new under the sun. It is just the same waste of time repackaged. Stay in your Bible and out of the latest book of the month.
7. Because something is old does not make it right, and because something is new does not make it wrong. Allow the Holy Spirit to develop discernment in you based on Biblical principles.
8. Don't be so ready to "think outside the box." Louis Entzminger's Sunday School material is still the best out there; just use a computer instead of a roll book and filing cabinet.
9. Don't be so scared to "think outside the box." The world changes and we have to be aware of changes in order to be affective in our ministries. Screens, sound systems, padded chairs, and indoor plumbing are not satanic in nature because they were once new.
10. Love God, love people, and preach the Word is still the Bible way to do it.
I do not claim to have all the answers, but I am at least starting to ask some of the right questions! God bless each of you who labor for our Lord, even if you do it a different way than me!
