by Kristen Rosser ~ aka: KR Wordgazer
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. I John 4:1
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:30
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
The above passages warn us that not every movement that says it is following Christ and His teachings, actually is. How can we know the difference?
Jesus said “Ye shall know them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16).” Galatians 5:22-23 says that out of the “liberty” spoken of in verse 1 of that chapter (quoted above), we should see the fruit of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” If the way you and your family are being encouraged to live is a life of liberty, causing a growth of these qualities, then it is bearing good fruit.
This series asks a set of questions designed to help you determine whether following the Quiverfull movement is keeping you and your family in the liberty of Christ and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
Does your group or beliefs have a high amount of control over how you live your life? Is there pressure to conform to specific lifestyle choices? Does your group or beliefs emphasize some kind of hierarchical authority structure?
Does your group present its specific teachings as self-evident and beyond all dispute? Is questioning your teachers’ readings of the Scriptures equated with questioning God?
Here are some teachings or statements you may have heard in the Quiverfull movement:
“Lukewarm Christians don’t understand what it is to truly give yourself to God– to give Him your womb and let Him open or close it as He will. ‘Christianity Lite’ is about serving the self, not God.”
“We dare to be different from traditional, pew-warmer Christians, and we form close associations with like-minded families who will support and uphold our values.”
“If this way of living seems harsh or unfair to you, don’t complain to me about it, because it’s not my idea– I’m just telling you what the scriptures plainly state. So if you don’t like it, take it up with God, because it is really Him that you have an issue with– not me.”
