One of the most profound works of the Spirit is a winnowing effect it has defining the difference between truth and error. Some are yielding to a process of deconstruction regarding their faith that would better be defined as a clarification because the original roots of deconstruction are sourced in something opposed to the absolutes of God. 

A philosopher named Jacques Derrida first mentioned the term “deconstruction.” His thinking was motivated by a fellow philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche is famous for saying, “God is dead.” Clarification is a better term to use to define the process than deconstruction because a “God is dead” determination is not a solid foundation from which to explore our spiritual reality. Deconstruction, not the clarification of our faith, will lead us to places we do not want to experience. 

Winnowing between truth and error and how we interpret life is a subject that has moved across covenants. Jeremiah was writing regarding false messengers, “Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain! (22:28). This distinguishing work of defining truth from error defines the difference between wheat and the useless chaff that will be blown away in the winnowing process. 

John the Baptist spoke of this separation when he announced the appearance of Jesus in Matthew 3, “He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork” (vs. 12).

Later, the Lord would affirm John’s announcement when His disciples asked if the weeds producing the chaff should be pulled out. The Lord said, “Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” (Matthew 13:30).

There are sad consequences for those who allow human thinking, not the truth of God and His Scripture, to define their spiritual reality. The Lord invites a clarification of our faith. That is a positive journey of exploration. It will always lead us back to the Living God actively involved in our lives. It will simplify our faith and make it easier to understand and proclaim. Ultimately, the choices we make will determine whether we are defined as believing wheat or disbelieving chaff.