…every wind of doctrine…

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 KJV

In Matthew 13, Jesus’ disciples asked Him why He spoke to the multitude in parables. Jesus told them that they, His disciples (saved people), were given understanding to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, and as time passed, they would be given greater understanding. To the multitude (lost people), this understanding was not given, nor would it ever be. (Read verses 10 through 13 for the details.)

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. – Matthew 13:10-13 KJV

Yes. I really did say that! Lost people can not understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. And, saved people are given understanding in varying degrees. This level of understanding is dispensed by the Holy Spirit according to the purpose of God. No doubt, dedicated study and much prayer, asking God for understanding, would be a plus.

So, what does all this have to do with “every wind of doctrine” and what exactly is doctrine? Doctrine is a set of beliefs held and taught by a church. Doctrine could be set forth by a group of like-minded believers with a great understanding of the will of God and passed down through centuries by the church, or it could be set by a couple of fast talking individuals with a greater desire for financial superiority and performance, than for true spirituality and worship. This is how false doctrine is introduced right under our noses, by members who have been convinced they have just heard a great  idea, a sure sign of low or weak spirituality.

Has the doctrine in your church taken a hit? Is it being weakened by Political Correctness? Is your church being held hostage by a group of people who have no business in the church to begin with, much less in church leadership? Is your church doctrine so weak that your deacons don’t even know what it is? I realize that times change. People change. Local churches change. The only problem with that is, Jesus doesn’t change, nor does His Church!

It’s time to give our churches a check up. Go to your church leadership and question them about church doctrine. However, before you do, question yourself first. If you can’t pass your own smell test, you’ll probably want to leave off with any accusations. Remember who the church really belongs to. It belongs to Christ, and the church is His future bride. Don’t invite judgement upon yourself by being an over zealous do-gooder. Do what you do with love and encouragement, understanding that your local church body could just be another unwitting victim of Satan. If no one sees things the way you do, then maybe it’s time to find another place to worship. If you feel you must leave, first question your own motives and your own possible lack of sound doctrine.

Last, if there seems to be division in your church, possibly between the older generation and the more progressive younger generation, out of respect for their wisdom and faithfulness, give your support to those rocks who have already weathered some bad storms and still remained faithful to the doctrines of Christ. Remember, as much as you might like to see some new blood and some new ideas, progressiveness is a favorite tool of Satan. Give yourself to the true worship of Christ instead of entertaining yourself.