I’ve been pondering quite a bit lately about how many “little” things were missed throughout the publications and teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. I’m dumbfounded when I read a passage from the Bible that was well-known from my Advanced Training Institute studies, and realize that I know almost nothing about what the Bible is really saying in that passage. I was under the impression that the passage meant something totally different because of the way it had been used to emphasize a human’s point of view or idealism. I do believe that God’s Word is alive and can say different things to different people depending on where we are in life. However, there are certain timeless SCRIPTURAL truths that do not change.
I say “little” things were missed because often it was one word or phrase that was, “for the sake of emphasis, or space” omitted throughout our studies. But what if that one word, phrase, or principle would alter or change the perspective of the entire lesson we were learning? Throughout Scripture, we are told that adding or subtracting from the Word of God can bring serious consequences.

With warnings like these, I would hope and pray that anyone claiming to be teaching the Word(s) of God would proceed with extreme caution after thoroughly examining every aspect of their exegetical studies. Even greater caution should be taken when proclaiming to having a “new approach” as does the Institute in Basic Life Principles. Each principle given should not only be backed up by a particular passage of Scripture, but also by the entire context of the passage as well as hopefully additional passages.

1 Corinthians took me back to my youth this morning. The believers of Corinth were working through a number of issues. I believe that these issues can be summed up though, in a call to live a life of repentance (no longer of the world/a complete change of heart), and to become true disciples of Christ. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of Christ’s life as He instructed. There are many passages throughout this book that are used to support many of the ideals taught within IBLP’s seminars, but as I was reading one struck me in particular – the topic of spiritual gifts as found in 1 Corinthians 12-14.

Spiritual gifts are laid out during the Advanced Seminar and, as one goes through the qualifications and ins and outs of “discerning” their spiritual gift, the process begins to resemble more of an in-depth personality quiz rather than a spiritual discernment of the purpose and gifts that God has given you. Each person began pouring into to the various traits and then categorizing themselves according to the one that they fit into the best. As an apprentice student fitting into a ministry, the phrases – “Oh, he’s kinda strict, so he must be a prophet…” “She’s so sweet, she’s a mercy…” “You are very organized, you have the gift of administration…” became common classifications as we fit into our “ministry” areas.
The lesson goes on then in what Mr Gothard deems as the “manifestation” of those gifts as listed in verses 7-11.  He claims that everyone could have many manifestations of their “one ministry gift” that is given. These were then listed out as things such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment of spirits, and even tongues.

So what is missing? The most important manifestation of all, Love.

Immediately following this list of other outward manifestations, Paul says “But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record or wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love NEVER FAILS.” 1 Cor 12:31 – 13:8a

Throughout all these teachings that I learned regarding Spiritual Gifts through ATI and IBLP, the materials never once taught about this chief manifestation through love. Yet, in each passage on spiritual gifts that I looked up this morning, LOVE was listed as THE MOST important thing.

I praise the Lord that my parents did not neglect this most crucial element. However, the example set through the leadership and emulated in so many ATI circles was very different. What would ATI and IBLP looked like if this most important element had not been left out of the “manifestations” of spiritual gifts? Love does not hold you to un-attainable standards. Love does not reject you when you don’t understand. Love is not judgmental. Love does not criticize when you stumble. Love picks you up, dusts you off, and walks beside you. I hear so many heart breaking stories of those who have come out of this lifestyle, and there is one factor that is missing from each and every one. Love. Where was it?