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A Different View
Diane M. Hale
May 5, 2008
”A discerning man keeps wisdom in view…” [Proverbs 17:24a]
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis makes a great analogy. Doctrines, he says, are like maps. They are not the reality and may not be as exciting as reality, but they chart reality for us in a vital way. Just as studying a map of the shore of the Atlantic is not as exciting as walking along the Atlantic coast itself, so studying the doctrine of atonement is not exactly the same as the experiencing the cross itself. But the purpose of a map is to represent, graph, and explain the reality. If you want to find your way, you need to have a reliable map, and we should consult it frequently.”
Right thinking about our spiritual journey is imperative if we would have right living—constant practice of right doctrine grows sound character and maturity and brings good fruit. Jesus had a different doctrine [Mark 1:27] but it never did away with the law or the writing of the prophets—his lifestyle fulfilled them. ”Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. “ [Matthew 5:17]
False prophets are born out of false doctrine and appeal to the fleshly desires for excitement rather than the need for laborers in the harvest fields and more hands put to the plough.
John said “…not to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” [1 John 4:1] When a life does not fulfill the law then the spirit is not of Christ and is false.
“Wisdom gives… balance and helps to avoid eccentricity and extravagance…” [ J.Oswald Sanders] Being, ”…full of wisdom” was required of those given responsibility in the early church—how much more wisdom is needed in these end times.
Further reading: Proverbs 17 ~ 1 John 1:1-6
