Truth and Growth
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:14-15
That we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…
Is doctrine important? Some would argue that it is not. They would suggest that it is far better not to divide and argue over theology. Instead, we should just strive to love everyone and be nice.
The problem with this is, as we read in this passage, we will get blown here and there by “every wind of doctrine.” This way of thinking fails to acknowledge or deal with the fact that there are a lot of crafty, deceitful, cunning liars out there looking to derail other peoples’ faith.
This danger requires mature, godly, loving, discerning Christians to speak the truth to us.
Does it matter if they do or don’t? Absolutely, and in every way. Using Paul’s metaphor of being like a ship at sea, if we don’t have something to counteract the winds of false doctrine, we will make a shipwreck of our faith. Though Paul doesn’t mention it here, others will be led astray from faith in Christ. Finally, we will be destined to live a life of spiritual immaturity, never growing up and functioning in the body as we should.
