I’ve been immersed in Christianity and surrounded by Christian individuals my entire life, experiencing many of its forms—from Evangelical to LDS (back in the day)—and I’ve met people from all walks of life within this realm. Most of my interactions revolve around conversations, and I wholeheartedly agree with Yeshua, who famously said to the Jews of His day,
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” – Matthew 12:34
The Reflection of the Heart Through Speech
What do I mean by agreeing with Yeshua? Throughout any given day, all people have the freedom, even the liberty (if American), to speak their minds and hearts, essentially releasing the contents of their heart into the listening world. I’ve encountered believers who seem to focus solely on politics, diets, and lifestyles—deeming some acceptable and others not. Occasionally, I meet a believer who talks exclusively about money, vacations, materials acquired, and their children’s accomplishments. Over time, it became clear to me that the topics people choose to discuss reveal much about what their hearts are set upon.
Patience and Progression in Faith
As believers, we are all in a state of change and hopefully progression, which teaches us patience with those less mature in the faith. These individuals have yet to focus their heart and soul directly on Him and to then freely speak of Him. This understanding comes with time, and it is not my intention to police or govern conversations through cultural appeals. Instead, let the mouth speak the heart’s desires and let all believers learn to listen.
Discerning the Focus of Conversations Among Believers
While listening to what people genuinely care about, we can identify certain topics in “Christian conversation” that serve as distinct indicators, even warning signs, of the individual’s mind and heart. When conversations focus on His grace, His love, the value of life, and the joy of His truths, rejoice! However, when topics veer into the following areas, listeners might choose to exercise patient, gentle caution.
The Realm of Christian Esoterica
I refer to these cautionary topics as Christian esoterica because they often represent concepts that are not fully understood, bring division, and, if understood, will never truly offer any sort of valid enlightenment. These subjects include:
- God’s creation of the heavens, earth, and all within
- The shape or configuration of the earth
- The Flood and associated factors
- The Nephilim
- Councils of Heaven
- Melchizedek priesthood
- Pre-existence
- Heaven
- Satan
- Non-canonical and Pseudepigraphal books
- The Red Heifer
- Third Temple
- Interpretations of the Book of Revelation through modern eyes
- Spiritual gifts
- Spirits, demons, ghosts, and apparitions
- Exorcisms and demon possessions
- Predestination/Election
- Dietary topics and lifestyles as believers
- Political factions
- Rosicrucians, Knights Templar, Illuminati, Freemasonry
Emphasizing Core Scriptural Topics
It’s fascinating to observe how many people who claim to walk in faith focus on these subjects when Scripture offers us little insight into their truth and how knowing them seems irrelevant compared to more important topics that Scripture addresses at length, including:
- God
- Yeshua
- Faith
- His will and desires
- Love
- Service
- Encouragement
- Light
Even the writer of Hebrews emphasizes moving on to perfection, leaving behind the elementary teachings once they are understood, to focus on more significant matters (Hebrews 6:1-3).
Conclusion: The Essence of Faith Beyond the Esoteric
In conclusion, those who navigate the esoteric waters of Scripture often lack comprehension of the faith’s most essential elements, choosing to pursue the unknowable endlessly. It’s important to remember that understanding such topics is limited and, therefore, unworthy of our time and focus, especially given the many biblical subjects that can be known, understood, and mastered.
