Some years ago Ford advertised its replacement parts for its cars with the slogan, "Keep your Ford all Ford." The idea they presented was simply this, who but Ford could better know how to make the replacement parts for a Ford? Put it in our Christian walk. Who but God knows more about what you need? After all, he is the maker of you, spirit, soul and body.
There are many in the ministry today who will tell you what is good for your body, your soul and your spirit. In some cases I look at many of these preachers the same way I look at actors who are well paid to sell things because they are well known not because they know anything. They bombard us from pulpits, TV sets, internet mail, billboards, radios and junk mail. Most of them have a reason for telling us they can help us. They want you to pay them for their service or contribute to their funds. Turn on the TV and watch for an hour, open your mail, listen to the radio. It is unusual to not see an AD for weight loss, body improvement, beating depression, and even a couple on spiritual matters. Understand; I do not say all of them have sinister motives. Let me assure you of one thing, where there is money to be made, the devious, the dishonest and the fakes will be there to take advantage of you, even in the church. P. T Barnam, one of the greatest charlatans of all time said there was a sucker born every minute. The only good thing I can say about him was this. At least he was honest enough to admit he lived off the marks.
So how do you keep your Ford all Ford?
Take it to a Ford Garage where Ford trained mechanics will work on it. God too has "his mechanics" who he has trained and commissioned to take care of His "products." But you have to find them. Anyone can say he is a Ford mechanic. I could buy a Ford emblem, sew it on a pair of blue coveralls, and for about $20 that would make me look like a Ford mechanic but that would not make me a Ford mechanic. The scripture, "Man looks on the outer appearance, God looks on the heart" has more meanings than just that God judges the heart. It tells us before laying hold on anyone's teaching we must look to God for guidance. He may look holy, wear the holiest clothes and speak the right words but he may be a wolf in sheep's clothes. And some excellent Ford mechanics are trained in engines, some in transmissions and some in body work. The person we are looking to may be good but not called of God in the area of our need.
Use only Ford parts and Ford approved tools. When something needs replaced we should use only parts made by or for Ford. Here again we look to God. We must only use His word to guide us. Sure there are those who can help us. Sure there are good books, tapes and seminars. But I assure you there are those out there that will not be right for you. Some “Ford compatible” parts made by others will work all the time, some will only work under some favorable conditions. And there are some who claim to be ministers that are just not of Him. There are some Ford “look-alikes” that will just not work, they could even do more damage. I limit the books I read. When I do read them I match them against His Word. If they match, if they are edifying, if they encourage me, then they are good. I do my browsing in the book store. I don't buy a book unless I read some of it there and see the writer's spirit. And be careful on the ones who have published great books. When they were little in their own eyes, when they were writing the first book, they looked to God. Generally the first works are revelation from God. The sequels are more often their own work. I also avoid the catchy stuff. I admit I have read only a few paragraphs of the “Left Behind” series so I am sure there will be many who will say I don't know enough about them to comment. I haven't seen the books as worth the money. I don't buy what cannot be supported by scripture and some of the Left Behind is just that. Nuf said. I do the same with preachers, even my own pastor. If they deviate from the word, I pay no attention to their teaching. (Note: If my pastor were not preaching the truth, I would be asking God to allow me to leave. I haven't done that in quite a few years.)
