A Healthy Fear

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. (Ro. 12:2)

As we begin this year, it is important and essential that we take stock of our beliefs, and all of the things that we may teach others are true, and ensure that they are consistent with God’s Holy Word as it is found in the scriptures. This especially applies to teachers, but it also applies to parents and students who will communicate with others about what they believe to be true. In our text above, we notice that we are to make an effort that our thoughts are not swayed by, nor consistent with, the teachings of this world. Paul tells us, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness,” (1Co. 3:19). Yet, psychologists tell us that the more we hear any idea, the easier it is for us to adopt it. We hear the incorrect and foolish teachings of the world constantly. How diligent are we to ensure that the beliefs that we hold are consistent with Scripture while rejecting any ideologies that contradict it?

We must be passionate and diligent to critically examine the details of our beliefs and reject anything that is not worthy of God. Paul also tells us that we are to be, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” (2Co. 10:5). Notice the detail that is included in this command. We are to cast down every thought that is exalted against the true knowledge of God. How many details of our thinking do we hold under the scalpel of the Word of God? Do we allow God to do surgery on our thought life, cutting away all pathological thinking that comes from the world and not from His Word? Or, do we assume that if we are correct on the major issues that we must not have problems in the details? God forbid. We must hold all things, and all beliefs, under the authority of God’s Word.

James warns, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation, (Ja. 3:1). The word, “masters,” here is a New Testament word for teachers. Although in a strict sense, James is warning those who would take up teaching roles in the Church, this certainly applies to any of us who desire to, “teach” others what is true. There is a greater judgment to those who go around declaring things as true or false in the name of God. Does this produce in us a healthy fear? Do we think about the fact that we will be accountable before God for all that we proclaim as good and true? Praise God that we are saved by the grace of God in Christ by faith. However, this does not mean we will not have to give an account before God for all that we say. Matthew tells us, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment,” (Mat. 12:36). If this is true, then how diligent ought we to be that the things we believe and tell others are right and good are actually true before the mind of God? That is why we find these warnings in Scripture. Don’t be conformed to this world, for such is foolishness. Tear down and cast away any thinking that is not consistent with God’s Word. May we be diligent, trusting in the grace of God, moved and strengthened by the Spirit of God, to ensure that we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We are called to nothing less.