Dependence on Sound Doctrine: Dying, Surviving, or Thriving              

The word ‘Doctrine’ is used 51 times in 50 verses throughout the Bible. It is found 16 times in the letters of Timothy and Titus alone. That means about 30% of all the verses dealing with ‘Doctrine’ are carefully exhorted throughout these three pastoral letters. It’s as if the Lord is reminding us as plainly as possible that sound doctrine is absolutely essential in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. It is clearly a crucial topic, but why? Why is sound doctrine such a priority to God? This article will attempt to answer this question, albeit by no means exhaustively. It’s our desire to encourage readers, however, to take what’s written below and continue their own study, a study that should inevitably lead each of us closer and closer to our Great God and Savior. 

The Lord, through Paul, reminds us, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” 1 Corinthians 13:9-12. 

Defining Doctrine 

To begin this article, let’s start with definitions. Doctrine is simply defined as a set of beliefs, teachings, or instructions. Although it has a simple and straightforward definition, doctrine is far from a childish notion. It is arguably the backbone of both the Bible and our daily walk with Jesus. We must recognize our utter dependence on biblical doctrine as essential and vital if we are ever to truly see the abundant life Jesus promises. (See John 10:10.)

There are those claiming to be Christians who would take great issue with the necessity of biblical doctrine. They would go so far as to say sound doctrine is despicable. So-called Christian teachers and preachers such as Paul Crouch, founder of Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN), Benny Hinn, Robert Schuller, and Kenneth Copeland have all publicly belittled and berated those desirous to teach sound doctrine.  Paul Crouch was well known for using the phrase “Doctrinal Doo-doo”. While many in today’s pulpits and the pews may not be as brazen, there is still a strong belief, or should we say ‘doctrine’ that embraces the notion that carefully teaching sound, biblical doctrine is not only unimportant and unnecessary but also dangerously divisive. While it is untrue that doctrine is unimportant, it is most assuredly divisive. In fact, Jesus said just that. 

Doctrine Divides

Jesus was clear that He didn’t come to bring peace but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) This statement has monumental implications. We can clearly say that Jesus didn’t come for the purpose of uniting fallen mankind and their plethora of prideful philosophies. Men love darkness, and Jesus is the Light. The light of God’s Word shines in the darkness, both exposing and correcting mankind’s carefully and pridefully woven lies. In John 1, the Lord, through John, wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him [Jesus]; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” John 1:1-5. 

If a person’s beliefs and behaviors are embracing a lie, then the truth will most certainly be viewed as an intruder. To the person willfully breaking a law, most often, the law will be naturally viewed as his enemy. And if you are the one teaching the truth in an arena overflowing with lies, the words you speak will certainly cause division. If this is true in earthly matters, how much more so in spiritual ones? 

Jesus often offended those holding most tightly to their regal, religious lies. It was the religious leaders themselves who were most offended at the spiritual truth Jesus spoke. Jesus’s doctrine brought division. “And they were astonished at [Jesus’s] doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” Mark 1:22. “And the scribes and chief priests heard [Jesus’s teaching], and sought how they might destroy Him: for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His doctrine” Mark 11:18.

Jesus reminds us, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world” John 15:18-19. 

He also said, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil” John 7:7. 

In John 3, Jesus declared, “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” John 3:19-21.

We must have the darkness divided from the truth if we are ever to have true and abundant Life.

The Purpose of Sound Doctrine 

True, biblical doctrine definitely divides the darkness. And lest we forget, not all divisions are bad. If a doctor diagnoses me with cancer, I am happy to have the cancer taken (divided) from my body. Why? For the health of the body. The same is true spiritually. We must have the darkness divided from the truth if we are ever to have true and abundant Life. Our dependence on God’s Light is the only alternative to the darkness. The psalmist declares, “O send out Your light and Your truth: let them lead me” Psalm 43:3. In Psalm 119:105, it says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  

Today there are some who argue doctrine is unnecessary in the believer’s walk with Jesus, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. If someone begins a new job, one in which he has no previous knowledge base, what might be the most important thing to begin his new venture? Training. And depending on the instruction he receives, he will either wither or thrive. Successful companies spend millions on developing and implementing solid teaching for both new and existing employees. There’s a good reason worldly philosophies are riddled throughout today’s school curricula. The world understands just how critical it is to carefully teach and instruct the masses. And yet, many in the church are woefully ignorant of the vital role sound doctrine plays in their understanding and growth. The doctrine of God must be consistently and carefully taught if we are ever to have any hope of thriving as born-again believers.  Another way of thinking of this… Doctrine leads to our beliefs which will inevitably lead to our behaviors. Interestingly, many of the New Testament epistles are divided up into two basic sections- Doctrine, then duties (our behavior). 

Praise God, as believers, we are not left to our own devices to merely become “better behaved people”. God uses His Holy Word and Holy Spirit to empower and transform us day by day into His image, reflecting His glory, not our own. But this only happens as we abide in His Word, understanding it is sound, godly doctrine which paves the way for His truth to lead us further into His Life. 

A Few Purposes of Sound Doctrine

Here is perhaps a good spot to pause and consider a few things God has to say about the purposes of sound doctrine. 

• Sound Doctrine Reveals the Truth of God-

“Give ear, O you heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of My mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, My speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He” Deuteronomy 32:1-4.

• Sound Doctrine Reveals the True Gospel of God- 

“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord” Acts 13:12.

• Sound Doctrine Leads to True Godliness- 

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. But godliness with contentment is great gain” 1 Timothy 6:3-6.

• Sound Doctrine Always Exposes False Doctrine

“Thus says the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Forasmuch as there is none like unto You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is great in might.

Who would not fear You, O King of nations? For to You does it pertain; forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto You.

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king” Jeremiah 10:2-10a.

• Sound Doctrine Encourages and Convinces/Convicts

“Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [convict] the gainsayers” Titus 1:9.

Perhaps there are others who think they are getting solid, doctrinal teaching, when, in fact, they are actually being fed something much different

Doctrine: A Few Illustrations

There are many in today’s church that have a low view of God’s Word which influences their low view of doctrine. This may, in part, arise from merely existing in today’s pop/post-Christian church world. Perhaps many have simply not thought about the importance of sound, biblical doctrine. Perhaps there are others who think they are getting solid, doctrinal teaching, when, in fact, they are actually being fed something much different. Although ‘Doctrine’ can be defined as teaching or instruction, it might be helpful to add a tiny bit of depth using a few illustrations.

Hopefully, these will help define and demonstrate the importance of doctrine and its role in maturing us into victorious believers. 

Illustration 1: A person once said that doctrine can be thought of as the container for truth. While truth is everything within, it is doctrine that serves as the container. If we have a vessel unable to hold water, it is useless. And so it is with doctrine. We must carefully construct our doctrine, our teachings, on the truth of God in order to hold the truth of God’s Word correctly. If not, we will not be able to effectively receive or bless others with the water of the Word. (Ephesians 5:26)

Illustration 2: True doctrine should never be found outside of God’s Word because God’s Word is our Truth and our Life. One might say that doctrine is the river designed to transport God’s Word, and this river, because it is fully transporting God’s Word, serves to strengthen, heal, and equip every believer unto every good work. 

Illustration 3: A final illustration compares the role of doctrine to a dot-to-dot puzzle. There are three essential components to this puzzle: God’s Word, the truth, and sound doctrine. God’s Word makes up the dots. The dots are carefully connected by the truth, which then leads to longer lines that would be considered sound doctrine. If enough dots are connected through using the truth and correct doctrine, a picture; or in this case, our understanding of the true and living God, begins to form. This understanding of Jesus then leads us to a more renewed life; a life fully submitted to and sustained by our Savior. 

The problem comes when we try connecting some of the dots with lies. This will lead to longer lines called false doctrines. This process will inevitably inhibit and corrupt our understanding of the true Jesus, leading to a stagnant and fruitless life in Christ. Seeing where doctrinal roads can lead, it should be evident that much is at stake!

Sound Doctrine is Not Only Important; It Is Vital

Biblical doctrine is the only door or pathway that leads to a sustained and victorious Life in Christ. Tragically, embracing false doctrines will lead believers down a road of fruitlessness and spiritual sorrow. And even worse, if the next generation continues traveling down the path of false doctrines, they will not only be fruitless; they may also remain Christless altogether. They will be led far not only from Godly fruit but from the true and saving Gospel of God. The next generation, if left on the road of false doctrines, will not only wither; they will be taught to follow a different gospel… a different Jesus, which is no Jesus at all. 

Paul wrote, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” Galatians 1:3-10.

These unsuspecting souls will have the strong potential to be seduced into following a false Christ, having never heard the true and saving Gospel found in the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  And sadly, many today are too busy running in circles, seeking the next ‘new tower’ to build, instead of simply surrendering to the truth of God’s Word. God’s doctrine ought never divide those who, by God’s Word, have been brought from darkness into the kingdom of His Son. (Colossians 1:12-13,1 Peter 2:9) God’s doctrine should only ever serve to unite those who have been so fully and freely rescued by the love and truth revealed solely in God’s Word! 

The division within the true Light only comes when darkness is introduced.

Doctrine Unites

Just as biblical doctrine will divide the darkness, it is also designed to unite those living in the true Light. Yes, we are all fallible men, however, God is infallible and plenty capable of keeping us united by His Spirit of Truth. We don’t have to attempt to manufacture unity. We must simply love God’s truth, seeking to keep the unity we already have been so graciously given in Christ. The Spirit of Truth has already unified all believers. The problem comes when we let our flesh (pride) and Satan get in the way. 

Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” Ephesians 4:1-6. 

If there is division within the body of Christ, it is not due to the sound doctrine humbly taught from God’s Word. The division within the true Light only comes when darkness is introduced. Our flesh and the Deceiver are to be blamed for the divisions caused. 

Paul wrote in Romans, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve, not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” Romans 15:17-18. 

We are not to be ignorant of the many false doctrines designed to cause division and destruction. Rather, we are to expose and avoid them. If we are to remain united in the body of Christ, then we must humbly abide in Christ, serving and loving one another with a gracious heart of thanksgiving and joy to the Father. We must remain content in Christ and His wonderful Word and work! 

Doctrine Excites and Ignites 

Once a Christian begins to see the importance of sound doctrine, it should do two things. First, it should cause him to have an enduring desire and love for God’s Word. Once we begin to grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we should be excited both to continue growing in and sharing His doctrine with others. The second thing it should do is empower us to stand firm on the truth that has given us our eternal Life. It really should bother every believer when lies are sold as God’s Word. These lies lead to so much devastation and serve only to defame and dethrone our Heavenly Father. Knowing the need for godly doctrine should never produce an apathetic heart toward sin and devilish doctrines! We should have a renewed boldness and joy for shining the Light of Life. If we have grown weary or apathetic, perhaps we need to be reminded of the beauty and power of God’s Word! Or perhaps we need to ask God to reveal any areas of false doctrines or behaviors that need to be exposed and divided from us. 

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 

Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight: that you might be justified when You speak and be clear when You judge.

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which You have broken may rejoice.

Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation; and uphold me with Your free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto You” Psalm 51:1-13.

We are also exhorted to reprove the unfruitful works and words of darkness

Not All Doctrines Are Equal- Doctrines of Devils 

Sadly, today there are many unholy and ungodly teachings being ushered into the Church by popular speakers, pastors, books, so-called Bible studies, and social media. It is no longer the camel’s nose peaking in the door of the tent. Today, the camel has taken total residence in the tent. Although this article is not written to specifically focus on the many dangerous and deceptive avenues of today’s false doctrines, it should behoove every believer to at least be aware of some of the major and erroneous teachings plaguing our pulpits and pews. 

Here is what Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote almost 2,000 years ago- “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” 1 Timothy 4:1. We are never called to fixate on error, however we are certainly not to be ignorant of Satan’s avenues and devices. “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2 Corinthians 2:11. 

We are also exhorted to reprove the unfruitful works and words of darkness- “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light. Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light” Ephesians 5:11-14.

Here is a brief list of some of the major false teachings to consider and research regarding this absolute tsunami of lies flooding today’s post-modern church: Evolution, witchcraft, psychology, eastern mysticism, yoga, transcendental meditation, guided imagery, the enneagram, ritualism, selfism, emotional/experience-based “worship” music by artists such as Bethel, Elevation, and Hillsong, the false teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation (NRA), Roman Catholicism, Calvinism… and the list goes on and on. (In an effort to equip believers, we, at Once Lost Ministries, cover many of these topics in our interviews and articles.)

Not All Doctrines are Equal- Doctrines of Men

Satan also has traps set for even those who recognize the importance of doctrine. No one is immune from the enemy’s deceptions. May we humbly consider what the Lord had to say to the most religious of the Jews; those who absolutely loved their doctrines. The religious leaders certainly understood the power of doctrine. Their issue wasn’t ignorance of the vitality of doctrine. Their problem was found in what they desired to do with it. Because of their stubborn and rebellious hearts and minds, they didn’t seek to glorify God. Instead, they sought to exalt themselves by designing their own self-centered doctrines and then cast them as heavy burdens upon the people. Here is perhaps the most diabolical and dangerous deception of all! 

“All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not [follow] after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men” Matthew 23:3-5a.

“[Jesus] answered and said unto [the Pharisees and scribes], Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men” Mark 7:6-8. 

Earlier in this article, it was pointed out that some might believe they are receiving sound doctrine, when in fact, they are unwittingly being fed men’s teachings. This is where many issues arise, and there is definitely much to be said on this topic. There are many Christian denominations started, in part, because of man-centered, doctrinal issues. Unfortunately, in order to explain some of these differences, men have sometimes sought to design certain human explanations that may, at best, be incomplete. 

…whether intentional or not, labeling certain teachings within Scripture as essential and others as nonessential opens the door to making some of God’s Word of lesser value.

Essential vs Nonessential Doctrines- 

In order to alleviate some of the doctrinal divisions within the visible church today, many have come to a conclusion that may seemingly sound right but might actually cause more harm than good. They have, in part, tried to solve the vast number of doctrinal differences in today’s churches by concluding that there are ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ doctrines within the Christian faith. Another way of phrasing this is to say there are ‘essential’ and ‘nonessential’ doctrines within Christianity. While this is true to an extent, there are a couple serious issues with holding to this ‘doctrine’. 

First, whether intentional or not, labeling certain teachings within Scripture as essential and others as nonessential opens the door to making some of God’s Word of lesser value. Understanably, there are certain Scriptures focused on the Gospel that are essential for salvation. The problem here is if all we’re focused on is the Gospel, then we’re really telling people the major point to being a Christian is “getting saved”. This is an extremely shallow view of Christianity and can lead to the argument made by false teachers mentioned at the beginning of this article like Paul Crouch. Teachers and preachers who are often uninterested or offended by those attempting to teach sound doctrine try to make the argument that we simply need to focus on the Gospel and leave all the “Doctrinal Doo-doo” alone. They will say focusing on teaching sound doctrine causes confusion to those who simply need to be saved and division within the body of Christ. By saying some of Scripture is nonessential, one may end up opening the door to a false Gospel because this teaching devalues the need for sound doctrine. And only sound doctrine can keep the true Gospel from becoming adulterated.  

The second concern is that this teaching of ‘essential vs. nonessential’ has the very real potential of leading us away from God, redirecting us instead to man’s authority. To say some portions of Scripture are essential and others nonessential begs the question of who is making the decisions. Who gets to decide what is necessary and unnecessary?  

Many people have a spiritual pride cloaked in humility that assumes no one can really know the truth. They would say those who claim to know the truth are prideful. Strangely, the teaching of essential and nonessential doctrines seems to come from this same heart. It would certainly be prideful for me to say I am the only one who understands the Bible perfectly, as much as it would be prideful for me to say I’m totally sin-free. However, just as it would be foolish to say I should not desire a life totally free of sin, it is foolish to say my pursuit should be any less than learning 100% sound and true doctrine. Our pursuit should always be nothing less than perfection by God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Desiring anything less is selfish at best. 

It is this author’s opinion that philosophies such as essential and nonessential doctrines are not birthed from Scripture but from the hearts and minds of men. When people, even well-meaning people, attempt to explain the works of men, i.e. religion and denominations, we can often come up with earthly teachings that may hinder more than help. No where in Scripture does God deal with categorizing and ranking doctrine. 

Paul, writing his final letter, says, “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; and that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Timothy 3:14-17. 

We can conclude, at least from the Bible, that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine. Again, there are no delineations here between essential and nonessential doctrines. (See Doctrine vs. Doctrines below for more.)

Lastly, with regard to the teachings of men, let us never forget how easy it is to be deceived even by good teachers. We all must weigh everything, yes, everything against God’s Word, allowing our hearts to remain humble and surrendered to Jesus Christ. Today, there are many philosophies that sound biblical and logical, but at the end of the day, they are simply philosophies and commentaries. 

A pastor once confessed to me that he sometimes found the Scriptures confusing and somewhat contradictory. And while there are certainly difficult, doctrinal teachings found from time to time, I asked him a simple question. “Do you find that it’s the Bible or the contradictory commentaries that are causing this?” He confessed it was reading so many commentaries that was leading to his confusion. Perhaps we should all take a little less time reading men’s writings and spend a little more time reading the very words of God! 

We are reminded in Acts, “These [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore, many of them believed” Acts 17:11-12a.

Doctrine vs. Doctrines– A Slight Detour…

Perhaps it’s worth noting here that ‘doctrines’ (plural in the KJV) is only used 5 times in the Bible, and each time it has to do with the teachings of men or of devils, not God. (Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7, Colossians 2:22, 1Timothy 4:1, and Hebrews 13:9) Maybe there’s nothing more to this, but perhaps one takeaway may be that God’s doctrine (singular) is entirely unified and cohesive, and found throughout ‘all’ Scripture. Whereas doctrines (plural) developed from creation, whether fallen men or fallen angels, are anything but unified and always lead down dark and dying paths.  

Doctrinal Dependence: Dying, Surviving, or Thriving… 

…You Choose

Every born-again believer should care deeply about sound doctrine. If we are truly saved by the precious Word of God, we may be able to survive but certainly won’t be able to thrive if we are to neglect sound doctrine. God has designed it this way. And to thrive, we must plumb the depths, not of the world, but of God’s Word. To love the truth means we are children of the God of Truth. To ignore the truth and embrace devilish doctrines will not only lead to an unfulfilled life in Christ, it may also well lead the next generation even further down the road of doctrinal darkness and death by way of false gospels and false Christs. Whether we go the way of thriving or merely surviving is up to every believer. Hopefully, this article has shed a glimmer of light upon the path our Heavenly Father has designed for us to travel. 

May we sincerely seek the Lord’s face; humbly asking Him to shine the light of His Word into every corner and every room of our hearts and minds so that only His Word remains. Only then will we be able to reflect Jesus perfectly. Only then will we be able to enjoy Him abundantly, serving and praising Him fully! Only then will He receive all the glory! Let us choose wisely. 

“I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” 2 Timothy 4:1-3.

“Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness” Romans 6:16-18.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall my head be lifted up, above my enemies round about me. Therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me. When You said, Seek My face; my heart said unto You, Your face, LORD, will I seek. 

Hide not Your face far from me; You have been my help. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen Your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” [Excerpts from Psalm 27]