If doctrine is teaching …
- doctrine
1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government 2. something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine. 3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doctrine
- Syllogism of the Day:
If a commandment is teaching, and teaching is doctrine, then the Great Commandment would have to be the greatest doctrine.
Sometimes I am frustrated by the inconsistency of fellow Christians.
Not all groups, but some, quite a few actually have elevated “doctrine” to such heights that even the definition of doctrine itself has been distorted.
“Doctrine” is first and foremost. And almost always with that perspective is a careful, as in fearful, approach to the love of God.
“You can’t get carried away with love.”
But you can get carried away with doctrine? That’s okay?
Even though by definition, loving God and loving your neighbor would have to be considered the two greatest, most important doctrines.
We are inconsistent.
Somehow doctrine is safe and the love of God is the first step toward a slippery slope.
- Run headfirst and dive for the deep waters in doctrine.
- But tiptoe to the wading pool when it comes to love.
“What does the Word of God say?” That is the basis for good doctrine. Safe territory. Approved.
And I agree. So what does the word of God say? If we are going to be consistent, then let’s listen as God speaks.
- Matthew 22:35–40 (NAS) One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (NAS) But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Anyone else see a pattern here?
Review: If a commandment is teaching, and teaching is doctrine, then the Great Commandment would have to be the greatest doctrine.
And loving God is the great commandment, with loving your neighbor as a close second.
That is what the word of God says.
