Knowing What You Believe

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But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine

Titus 2:1

You may not think that doctrine is important, but it is. Pilots fly by the laws of aerodynamics, and surgeons operate by the doctrines of medical science. Aren't you glad they think doctrine is important?

Let me illustrate what I mean. A psychology student in the army was given kitchen duty, so he decided to test the response of the different groups of soldiers to apricots. First he took the negative approach, "You don't want apricots do you?" 90% of then said, "No!" Then he tried the positive approach, "You want apricots don't you?" Over half said "Yes." With the third group he tried the either/or technique; "Would you like one dish of apricots or two?" In spite of the fact that most of them didn't like apricots, 40%  took two dishes, and 50% took one. The point is, if you have no doctrine of your own, you are at the mercy of everybody else's.

Now listen to Paul's challenge to Timothy - and you: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out os season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine..." (2 Timothy 4:2-3). When your feelings won't sustain you, your beliefs will, for one is built on emotion, and the other is founded on the eternal Word of God.

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.