Aware but not Prepared

The cold winds of July are upon us. And if you have lived long enough on earth, this was not a surprise, it is the typical July/August weather in Zambia, beautiful clear blue skies, constant pounding winds. It is the seasonal cycles of life that we have experienced for years. However, have you noticed how that despite the knowledge and experience of the seasons, we are still caught by surprise and often unprepared? We react the same way with all the seasons, cold, hot, dry and rainy.

I think of two reasons why this is so. The first is a simple fact that it is one thing to know and another experience. You know the cold winds are coming; it is another matter feeling the impact when they pierce your spine in manner ways that is true of other aspects of life. We are all aware of the challenges, pain, joys and struggles that life brings but knowing is one thing, experiencing them is another. When the seasons come in our lives, we are often surprised and unprepared. 

The second reason is that we have short memories. We easily forget what it feels like to experience the weather patterns. When it is cold, we want it to be hot, and when it is hot, we are desperate for the cold. We somehow suffer from selective amnesia. Again, that is precisely what we do with different spheres of life. When we are single we desire to be married, when marriage comes, we cry for singlehood, we pray for children and when the Lord blesses we wish we were free of them. Some are desperate for jobs but want out the moment they step in. We forget quickly, and as a result, we take our seasons for granted. 

Thankfully, our good Father, in His loving wisdom knows the seasons that we need and ordains them as

such (Ecc 3:1-11). Seasons come and seasons go, but He never changes, He is the one constant in this ever-changing life. So when you are perplexed by the seasons you are going through, remember that God 

“makes everything beautiful in His time” (Ecc 3:11).

So, enjoy and make the most of the season you are in, it is not by chance and keep warm.

SIX REASONS WHY DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT TO THE CHURCH

The anti-doctrine squad comes in all shapes and sizes. They never seem to give up on their cause to hound out doctrine in the corridors of the church. Their slogans are a number: “No creed but the bible,” “do not give me doctrine just give me Jesus,” “I am not a theologian but a Biblicist,” and so on and so forth. One can sympathize with the heart behind some of these statements. However, no matter the good intentions, they still reveal a faulty and logically inconsistent perception of the Christian faith and reasoning. Granted, the ivory tower theologians whose theologizing is simply for the classroom and not the pews have not helped the situation. They have succeeded in becoming doctrine scarecrows in churches. It needs to be stated, however, that doctrine is important to the growth and health of the church. Let me offer six reasons why.

DOCTRINE BUILDS LOVE IN THE CHURCH

Doctrine is the truth about the triune God as taught in the Scriptures. To know doctrine is to know God and to grow in your love for God. The commandments are summed up in the word love: Love God and love others (Deuteronomy 6:4). “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).  

DOCTRINE UNITES THE CHURCH

A group of people that believe the same truth and are devoted to loving God and others with all that they are and all that they have will invariably be a united group. Some people are of the mind that churches should hold to the bare minimum in order to build unity because doctrine divides. However, when a group of people are grounded in doctrine, they are united in Christ and are no longer tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4).

DOCTRINE PRODUCES HUMILITY IN THE CHURCH

Doctrine is instructive and reveals the nature and work of the triune God. When a church is exposed to the splendour, majesty, power, and glory of God, they are left in awe of who He is and respond in humility (Isaiah 6:1-9, 40:13-31, Psalm 8). True knowledge of God strips away every residue of pride and arrogance.

DOCTRINE CALLS FOR OBEDIENCE FROM THE CHURCH

God calls His people to love Him, and one way they will show their love is by devoting themselves to the book of the law daily (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Jesus Christ says if you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). A church grounded in doctrine is a church that will lovingly obey the Lord. Theology is not a cold pursuit of facts, but a red-hot pursuit of the living God. It is a longing to know God and obey Him like a deer pants for water. In addition, this pursuit affects every sphere of our lives.

DOCTRINE EVOKES WORSHIP IN THE CHURCH

One indicator of whether one’s pursuit of doctrine is based in the right motives is whether or not it leads to worship. A right pursuit of doctrine leads to a worshipful heart. Be wary of doctrinal studies, teachings or conversations that do not leave you amazed at the power, wisdom and glory of the triune God (Romans 11:33).

DOCTRINE PROTECTS THE CHURCH

Doctrine puts fences around the church. It is a safeguard against error and false teaching. A church grounded in sound doctrine is equipped to live the truth and defend the truth. A church that does not pay attention to doctrine, and a church without people who know and love doctrine, is a church that will be led astray and swayed by every wind of false doctrine. It will also be a church that will be characterised by divisions and infighting (Ephesians 4:12-16).

Conclusion

Healthy churches love doctrine and are grounded in it. A right pursuit of doctrine will lead to love, humility, unity, worship, obedience and the safety of the church. Dear Christian pursue sound doctrine.