Some Christians’ primary goal is to examine other people’s faith and see where they are suspect. They dig into the background of every person they hear speak, dissect everything they teach, and analyze every aspect of their character. Then, they make podcasts, write books and blogs, and put together short videos to show the world this spiritual fraud.

I am totally against false teachers and try to correct any doctrine I hear being mistaught. I stand firm against the misuse of the Bible in any form. But I also believe there is a difference between defending your beliefs and going on witch hunts.

Both Jesus and Paul have stories that trouble me and push my understanding of confrontation.

The disciples come to Jesus and tell him about someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name. The twelve told him to stop because he was not one of them, and this is how Jesus responded. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:39-40)

Jesus did not run and shut this guy down. He didn’t publicly shame all the issues with this teacher. He basically ignores it.

Then, Paul, when writing to the Christians in Philippi, mentions a group of people who preach out of “selfish ambition.” They preach with envy and rivalry. Then he says, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)

Wait! What? Paul uses his letter to teach the truth and does not call out these charlatans by name. Then he says he is going to rejoice that Jesus is being preached.

Jesus and Paul both seem more concerned that the story of Jesus is spread than making sure everyone’s teaching is perfectly straight. These examples remind us that our primary teaching should always be Jesus and not the errors of others.