Crazy Talk

This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. [Galatians 1.1]

Is not this kind of talk the very defining verbiage of one we define today as schizophrenic?

Then, how about this one...

Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. [Galatians 1.11-12]

Once again, we today generally drift to thoughts of psychiatric terms when we hear such talk. Crazy talk.

There are two problems I see with this: 1) We are solidly calloused to anyone who would make a claim of speaking on behalf of God, and 2) There really are people making these claims but doing stupid and hurtful things.

These two problems have generally rendered the modern-day church powerless as far as really and truly operating in the realm of Godly authority. As soon as someone says something that is uncomfortable for us, we dismiss them as psycho. Otherwise we simply give them the religious nod and go about our way.

I believe there truly IS a need to reconcile this situation. But it will not be easy.

Father, help us to recognize those You have ordained to speak for You. And, give us the grace to deal in a gentle and preserving way with those who only "wish" to speak for You but have no obvious commission from You.