For the Christian, the bible is how we determine the truth. It also instructs us on how to handle any conflicts in our relationships, as well as every other area of our lives. But the trouble is; Do we take the bible's instructions and commands seriously, and apply what it says? or do we just brush it off as someone's personal 'opinion' or perception? In Christian relationships or in ministry - this is a crucial question.
To stand firm in the faith you must study the truths of the Faith. It is every Christians responsibility to know and study God's word. You can not mature in the Faith, if you don't personally study the bible for yourself. A lack of studying leads to immature attitudes towards your brothers and sisters in Christ and eventually sin. A lack of personal study also leads many into doctrinal error and misinterpreting of the scripture. Many Christians reject the study of doctrine and theology as unimportant. But isn't real Christian unity based on the whole of Christian truth (doctrine) found in the bible ? If we isolate one doctrinal teaching from others will it not effect the way we treat one another?
But it is not enough to study the truth, but we must also accurately handle the truths of scripture. 2 Tim 2:15 reads: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." We need to be responsible for how we speak, apply, and handle the truth of Scripture, also in Titus 2:1 it says: "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine."
The word is to be apart of our conversations, applied to our life circumstances and experiences so that we walk wisely, having godly relationships, so we may have peace through our trials and endure through our continued growth in Christ. We will enjoy unbroken fellowship. But if we willfully choose to ignore or brush-off this admonishing from scripture to obey and apply the word as the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and leads us, there is a warning what will happen to us -
2 Tim 4:3-5 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
In our conduct towards each other we are to live in a matter worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in our faith, living a life that is consistent with God's revealed word. Our testimony before the world requires us to live with godly integrity otherwise we weaken the gospel's credibility. We are to as Phil 2:15, 16 says: "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life."
** Note: This entry was originally posted on March 9, 2008. I have had to re-post it again.