Is Their More to God than I Know? - a podcast by David K Payne

I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. – John 10:18 NLT

 

I remember a time before my son was even a teenager when he asked his mom, "is there anything you know that I don't already know?" This incident was funny but so typical of the human condition. We all like to think we know it all, our way is right, and others need to change, but now us. I laughed then, and now I laugh at my arrogance through the years, especially concerning the things of God. 

 

Let me begin this blog by stating how my understanding of God began with my mother and father. I am grateful to my amazing parents, who prioritized their faith in God and involvement in the local church. Their example and teachings laid a strong foundation of faith and exposed me to religious experiences. Although my present religious experience differs from theirs, that foundation of faith in God has sustained me through almost forty years of ministry, marriage, divorce, illness, education, persecution, sin, success, and the challenges of everyday life. I am thankful to my parents for grounding me in faith.

 

From an early age, my father encouraged me and my siblings to seek God and be honest in our spiritual journeys rather than mindlessly following the crowd. While my parents disagreed with my specific religious expression, they came to recognize the sincerity of my faith. They passed away with a deep respect for my ministry and personal expressions of faith. I understand their disappointments and appreciate that they didn't witness many of the struggles I faced in the last ten years of my life. During this time, due to my failures, I battled personal sins, poor judgment, and attacks from religious people I had led for years. I even understand their attacks, and, on some level, I am grateful because their rejection and persecution drove me to a stronger faith in God than ever before. However, it is never acceptable to persecute others in the name of God due to their sins, lack of understanding, humanity, or personal journey with God. While I have lost confidence in the religious institutions I once belonged to and was raised in, I recognize their impact on me during times of favor and eventual rejection.

 

Throughout all these experiences, the faithfulness of God has remained constant. God never leaves or forsakes us. I shared all of this to lead to the purpose of this blog: God surpasses our understanding, religious groups, denominations, religion, and even Christian doctrines and practices. The primary catalyst for growth in my spiritual journey has come from personal bible study, education, and exposure to other Christian faiths and, ultimately, other faiths worldwide. As a young person and pastor, it troubled me that we tended to view those of other Christian persuasions as being opposed to God simply because they disagreed with our understanding. This narrow mindset exists within families, local churches, denominations, and Christianity. It also extends to Christians criticizing other religious expressions, expressions that ultimately stem from a desire to comprehend or be apprehended by God. A trap we easily fall into as humans is becoming entrenched in our routines, specific culture, religious exposure, political persuasions, etc. When trapped, it becomes difficult to grasp that if we had been born into a different situation, family, culture, or country, we would likely be on the other side of the attack, criticizing those from our existing group. While this disposition can be dangerous, it is understandable and often does little harm unless we attack others and allow it to bring division in our relationships. However, when it comes to God— not my understanding of God, but the reality of an omnipotent and omnipresent entity that created all things and gives life to all things— such behavior is dangerous and irresponsible, jeopardizing the very life God has given us.

 

Consider for a moment that if God, who transcends all times, cultures, universes, and individual lives, is truly who most understand and claim Him to be, how can we contain Him, comprehend all of Him, know all His ways, and dare to make judgments in His name? Numerous scriptures support this claim, and I challenge you to read the religious scriptures you esteem in your life regardless of your faith. The sacred text offers profound insights into the greatness of God.

 

Consider these thoughts. Religious persecution is not a new phenomenon, as even Jesus experienced it. In Matthew 12, Jesus is accused by the religious leaders of His day of casting out demons by the power of Satan simply because He didn't endorse their religious system, a system in which He was raised. Even His disciples displayed similar behavior. One moment they cast out demons in His name and the next, they argue about who among them is the greatest in the kingdom and who will have the best seats. They even rebuke others who do the same work in Christ's name but are not a part of their group. Jesus corrects them, but humanity's influence is strong, even among those who personally witnessed Christ. And we see evidence of their rejection and struggle of others who claim faith in God through Christ but are not adherents to Jewish customs and beliefs.

 

There's one verse I want you to consider from the beginning of this blog. Jesus tells His disciples and followers that His ministry extends beyond them and that there are other "sheep" in metaphorical pastures which will hear His voice and follow Him. Many Christians may say, "See Jesus is saying they have to do it our way." But pause for a moment and ask yourself if that is indeed what is being conveyed. Jesus speaks not as a representative of a specific Christian church but as the God and Father of all. How should this understanding impact our attitudes toward others who express their faith differently? Perhaps we should adopt the attitude of Isaiah when he encountered God and received the charge to speak for God in the world.

 

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”— Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)

 

Writing this article fills me with humility and a sense of trepidation. The more I contemplate God, the more I realize how little I truly comprehend. He is God, and I am merely a person on this Earth. Therefore, I choose to keep my words few and refrain from passing judgment on others for how they express their personal faith.

 

His Servant

David   

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