Theological Balance

Just like in politics, there are pitfalls on all sides of theological camps. While one may be more accurate in terms of what the Biblical text means and is saying, sometimes they can come across as hard, snarky, and uncharitable in their critique of what others believe.

On the other side of the isle, in a well-meaning attempt to ensure that everybody is welcome and gets a seat, sometimes that camp can be seen as disregarding or even changing the truth to make it more palatable for those that they want to convince.

In a political age of “facts don’t care about your feelings” versus “love is love”, where SHOULD professing, Biblical Christians land on theology and how it’s lived out and communicated? Somewhere in the middle?

No.

That was a trick question. There’s NO way we can rightly land in a Biblically acceptable position on theology by looking to where culture is and course correcting based on it. We must look to the Word of the living God alone, and conform to it.

If you land on the studious side of theology and, like me, are guilty of the sin of forgetting to meaningfully love and teach people in patience during the process of gaining knowledge, it’s time to repent and ask God for more wisdom concerning how we ought to communicate His heart for people.

If you land on the generous side of theology and, as I also have been, are guilty of the sin of ignoring, disliking, and even changing truth that has been undoubtedly given to us by Yahweh, the God of the Universe, it’s time to repent and ask Him for wisdom concerning what’s true and why it’s eternally important to conform to it and share it properly.

I think what’s hard is true Biblical balance. With my eyeballs, I’ve seen many do this well and I’ve been utterly humbled by how they both affirm and unwaveringly stand upon truth, but also genuinely, meaningfully and sacrificially love people - even people who hate them for what they believe.

Now let me be clear, Biblical inaccuracy and apathy is dangerous. Very dangerous and leads us away from God no matter our intentions, so don’t hear me affirm a lack of Biblical knowledge. All Christians need it, and there is undoubtedly a Biblical starvation in the church today. What I am saying is, is we are truly His, scripture tells us that we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us. If we ask for wisdom, He will freely give it. Let’s not be too prideful and think we all have it down pat. We do not. Lets humbly seek God in His Word, ask for wisdom, ask questions of those more mature in their faith, have grace for others who aren’t where we are, and teach others in all patience and grace.

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2nd Timothy 4:2

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”