Strong Winds
Today’s Verse:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; ~Ephesians 4:14
Strong winds can be dangerous. They are perilous to trees that are not deeply rooted, buildings that have weak foundations, and objects that are not properly anchored. These winds can also injure people who can be blown down by their strength. Strong winds are used as a picture of the work of false teachers who use their false doctrine to deceive and catch unwitting believers.
There is the inevitable.
Strong winds can come at any time. It is not a matter of if they will come but when they will come. Strong winds come at good times and bad times. Strong winds are not a respecter of times. They can come at any time of the day and of the year.
There is the intensity.
They come with great force. They will uproot. They will pick objects up and cast them into a different location. They will pick objects up and cast them into other objects. They cause confusion. They create property damage. They can be blinding. They can be frightening.
There is the impact.
Strong winds can blow you in the wrong direction. Strong winds can blow you to the wrong doctrine. Strong winds can blow you away. These winds of false doctrine expose your weaknesses. They expose your doctrinal instability. They mislead you into thinking that you are heading in the right direction when, in fact, it is the opposite. Strong winds can impact your faith and your future.
There is the instruction.
We are to strive to become Christians who are well-grounded in the Scriptures to avoid being blown away by the winds of false teachers and doctrine. This entails us following the preaching and teaching of our pastor and spiritual teachers. This entails successfully completing a discipleship class. It includes having a daily time of Bible reading and study to strengthen our faith. We are exhorted to be no more children. Don’t be a Christian who is always “spoon fed” and does not make time to grow.
There is the insulation.
Being biblically grounded insulates us from false doctrine. We can discern truth from lies. We can discern good doctrine from bad doctrine. Being a member of a strong, Bible-preaching church insulates us. Attending our church-sponsored Bible conferences insulates us. Staying accountable to the pastor and spiritually mature leaders in our church insulates us.
Be a Christian who desires to be spiritually strong so that you can discern truth from error. Be a Christian who eats the meat of the Word and not just the milk only. Compare anything you read or hear to the Word of God. Know your Bible and let your Bible know you. Be aware of the tactics of false cults and religions. Don’t be a victim of false winds!
Have a “wind-free” God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 16-18