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Moderation In Doctrinal Stability

By Bill Hall

People who are useful in the Lord's service are balanced in their thinking. They maintain moderation of the mind. They know what they believe and why they believe it, and are not given to radical fluctuations of thought.

A Study in Contrasts

Two men are teachers of God's word. Both are conscientious men who love truth. The first man, however, is easily swayed by whatever he reads and hears. He frequently changes positions on doctrinal issues. Wanting to be independent in his thinking, he is quick to reject traditional "Church of Christ" thinking. He adopts into his thinking anything that, on the surface, sounds reasonable to him. He loves to come across some new, exciting "gem" that will set his teaching apart from the old, stale teaching that people have heard for years. Above all, he wants his teaching to be thought provoking and challenging, different and exciting, new and fresh in its approach.

The second man wants his teaching to be challenging and thought provoking, too, but he recognizes that one does not have to reject that which is tried and proven in order to be challenging and independent. He is not surprised to find that his convictions are similar to those of others who have labored to separate error from truth, traditionalism from the pure word of God, sectarianism from the unity found in Christ. After all, he shares the same goals and studies the same book. He sees no virtue in being different from them. He has come to solid conclusions based on his study of the Scriptures and is not easily swayed from those conclusions. He finds truth challenging because it is truth.

The first man tends to be "tossed" to and fro, and “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). His hearers never know what to expect from him next. One thing they can be sure of: whatever "kick" he is on at the time will come out in his lessons, for every new concept seems to become an obsession.

The second man has his heart "established with grace” (Hebrews 13:9); he is “grounded and settled" (Colossians 1:23). He questions positions he has held, and is forced by his own personal honesty and integrity to change positions occasionally, but he acts very slowly and cautiously in doing so. He keeps many questions that arise in his mind to himself, for he recognizes that they are not vital to his own salvation or to the salvation of others.

The first man unnecessarily disturbs others with his teaching, leaving them with more questions than answers. Some of his conclusions are dangerous. And though he later recognizes their danger and discards them, he has already, in his haste, planted seeds of error in the hearts of his hearers. His influence is hurt because brethren are afraid of him  --  justifiably afraid. His usefulness in the kingdom is greatly affected.

Questions To Be Considered

We would suggest to our first man that before he creates trouble among God's people and hurts his own influence, he might ask the following questions.

1. Am I sure of the conclusions I have reached? Is it possible that I have overlooked some pertinent scripture or argument that would negate my conclusions?

2. Am I sure that my conclusions have not been tainted by prejudice, disillusionment, bitterness, jealousy, emotional considerations, or some other factor that can adversely affect one's thinking?

3.Even if I am sure of my conclusions, is the point I am stressing vital, of sufficient importance to justify problems?

4. Have I allowed these conclusions to become an obsession? Do I find myself talking about them frequently ­in Bible classes? In sermons? In private discussions? Do I find my reading of the Scriptures somewhat "colored" by these new concepts?

5. Is it possible that in my teaching I am glorying in new and deep and fresh approaches rather than in the simple message of the gospel and the Christ who is the center of that message?

We are not encouraging compromise; nor are we suggesting that one must gain brotherhood approval for his conclusions before teaching them. We are saying, however, that caution dictates that one go slowly in adopting new concepts and be even more cautious in teaching them. "Let your moderation be known to all.”