Q: So, Joyce Meyers, thumbs down?
We have a leadership time before service, and since we had no pressing business, we ended up with this question. So teaching time on other groups.
A: There are 3 categories, at least, and not just two of thumbs up or thumbs down.
Category 1: Outsider (non-Christian or false teacher)
Anybody who doesn’t teach that Jesus is Lord or that Jesus came in the flesh, or doesn’t teach salvation by grace through faith unto good works is an outsider. We should be nice to outsiders, try to win them, but we obviously do not take teaching on Christian doctrine from outsiders.
Category 2: Good doctrine shyster.
It is possible for someone to have good doctrine but do the wrong thing. Haven’t you done something wrong while yet, you knew the truth? So, yes, it is possible for a minister to be teaching good doctrine and be doing something wrong, like stealing, etc. The shifty used car salesman who advertises that he is active in XYZ Bible church is a good example. I’ve met this guy. We would probably not want to do business with him, but we couldn’t call him a non-Christian. Of course, it is possible to have good doctrine and not really be a Christian, but we don’t make that judgment; only God does.
Category 3: A Christian who just doesn’t see it the way we do.
There are lots of people in the category. None of us can comprehend all of God, so there will be differences of perspective. In most cases we should appreciate the note that somebody else is playing in the overall symphony, even if we are called to play another note. Fine. It falls to us to play our note and be respectful that these others are Christians and that is how they see it. We might have friendly discussions with them, but remember that we do agree on the ultimate gospel.
Now, it is possible that many Christians start out playing their one note in the symphony and begin thinking that it is the entire gospel. They might even switch out their idea or their group for THE TRUTH. Well, that is their problem. God is the judge. We might talk about our disagreement on principles, without calling them names.
So, what do I think about Joyce Meyers? Well, I’m not up of Joyce Meyers. I’ve never been to one of her meetings. I have never heard her preach heresy. I am not aware of her being indicted of any crime. I just don’t have any reason to criticize her. Max Lucado included her blurb praising his book, so I guess he thought well enough of her. I try not to criticize gospel ministers, anyway. (And while writing this, I remembered a scripture that says “take not an accusation against an elder” so I always factor in that good ministers get unfairly criticized so I am not quick to join without cause.)
You all do know however, that I will labor in doctrine all day long. We will call out errors in understanding that harm the church. That is not the same as personal criticism or “vilification.” That should not be considered as disunity or discredit to the gospel. The people who stand corrected might not like it, but that is also God’s business not ours, once we have been as respectful and kind as possible in our approach.
Appreciate the inquiring mind. Hope that answer helps. So the question is always:”What does the Bible say about this?”