In the third version of one of our most popular fairy tales, Goldilocks makes a most unusual visit to the home of three bears—dutifully described as the Papa Bear, the Mama Bear, and the Baby Bear. Who could have known that bears could live in a house, eat porridge, and sleep in a bed? Yet, the “too hot,” “too cold,” and “just right” description of the porridge along with the “too hard,” “too soft,” and “just right” nature of the beds provides an interesting comparison to the religious mind-set of our day.
Even members of the Lord’s church evaluate preaching as “too hard” or “too soft.” What they are looking for is “just right.” “Just right” according to whom? Preaching that seeks to please men does not please God (Gal. 1:10). Judah demanded “pleasant words” and “illusions” from their seers, forbidding them from prophesying “what was right” (Is. 30:10). Their rejection of God’s message proved to be a harbinger of disaster (vss. 12-14).
“Tell us what we want to hear!” is the cry of those searching for a “just right” message of comfort and convenience. Paul describes those who “will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires…” (2 Tim. 4:3). Even in the midst of such hard-heartedness, God’s servant is commanded to “preach the word…” (vs. 2). Turning our ears away from the truth has unimaginably painful consequences for both teacher and student.
A similar application might be made in regard to the “too hot” or “too cold” description of the porridge. When it comes to following Jesus, we are asked to count the cost and pay the price. Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk. 9:23). Many prefer the padded cross – something easily worn but quickly drawn out of sight.
But Jesus gave His life to purchase a people “zealous for good deeds” (Tit. 2:14). We are called to stand on His promises not to sit on His premises. Steadfast immovability (1 Cor. 15:58). Standing for what’s right. Acknowledging our Lord in the threat of persecution (Mt. 10:32-33). At the same time, we must press forward in our pursuit of His righteousness (Ph. 3:7-15). For many, it is uncomfortable to do nothing in the face of His incomprehensible love and sacrifice on our behalf. That is “too cold.” On the other hand, we don’t want to be singled out as religious fanatics. That’s “too hot.” So, we tend to find a comfortable place in-between. However, Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans as being “lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold” (Rev. 2:16).
Keep God in the forefront of your thinking. Lay His word upon your heart. You cannot truly follow Jesus by practicing Goldilocks Christianity.
–Glen Elliott–