Loading ...Map Readers and Navigators
There is a large difference between the mindset of a map reader and a navigator. Map readers do not have the ability to think through theology. These people are focused on the certain “black and white” statements, but cannot apply the Bible to new circumstances. There is a limitation on taking the principles of the Word of God and using them to provide Biblical responses to the changing world. The Word of God has not changed, nor has become irrelevant but map readers cannot allow scripture to guide a culturally appropriate answer. The reason that there is this limitation on addressing the culture from the Word is that map readers are guided more by tradition than by theology. This is what happened to the Pharisees. The new age was ushered in by Jesus Christ but the map reading Pharisees could not see the new reality of God being with them. John states “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him” (1:11). The Pharisees could not think through the theology of the Old Testament to realize that the fulfillment of the prophecies was fulfilled in Christ. All the Pharisees knew were the traditions from the fathers that spoke to the present times. Instead of allowing the principles of the Word to guide religious activity, the Pharisees allowed tradition to guide one’s religious expression. Jesus calls out the Pharisees on this unfaithfulness in Matthew 15 concerning the lack of honoring one’s parents because of the tradition of corban. Jesus says in Matthew 15:6-9 “he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. ‘You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,’ ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’” Map readers are so influenced by tradition that this blinds them to the true expression of Biblical faithfulness for future issues.
Related posts:
- Characteristics of Navigators
- The Need for Navigators in Post-Modern Times–3
- The Need for Navigators in Post-Modern Times–1
- The Need for Navigators in Post-Modern Times-4
- Theology Behind A Baptismal Celebration
About The Author
The next installment will deal with the skills of the navigators.
This is Awesome.
What do you mean by “principles of the Word”? Are you talking scripture or Jesus?
I’m also curious about what you mean by Biblical faithfulness.
The disciples were equally confused about the Messiah’s mission and what the Kingdom would be. Peter was rebuked for such a statement.
I’m not sure they had any more understanding about scripture. It would seem the key was their willingness to follow. I also think they held the spirit over the law. Even though they didn’t totally get what was happening they were willing to go.
Again, I may not be connecting with your point. I am enjoying the reading.
Principles of the word is referring to the spirit of the law, or the guiding principles, not so much the letter or the little stuff. People get the big picture. Biblical faithfulness means that we are attempting to life the word more than just know it. Hope this helps, thanks for stopping by.