Another Thought on Desk-Building

As I was "following instructions" putting together that desk, I installed three desk-drawer slides in the wrong places. It was a simple mistake - I just got them upside-down. I was installing them on two side pieces, and I didn't have the correct picture in my mind on how the BIG pieces would fit into the desk. I didn't know which end of the sides would be up and which would be down. So that messed up my orientation of the SMALL pieces.

That got me thinking. As we follow the pattern of God's word, it's imperative to understand the BIG principles (the basics) first. The smaller details (applications) of the pattern all hinge upon the bigger principles. This is why there are so many false doctrines around today. I think folks do one of two things:

1. They start from an incorrect understanding of God's main principles, which messes up their interpretation of the rest of God's word.

2. They start building from the small details, and they hinge the larger principles upon an incorrect interpretation of they smaller details.

Both of these approaches to God's pattern will send a person to the same end: a corrupt understanding of the word. Paul warned Timothy about "men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:3). Here were men who taught incorrect doctrines, just as man do today. I cannot help but think of certain churches which teach abstinence from earthly appetites as a way of becoming more spiritual. They forbid marriage to clergy. They encourage men to torment their bodies by eating only bread and water, living apart from the world, and spending every waking moment either in prayer or meditation or reading. Indeed, "These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence" (Colossians 2:23).

We must understand the BIG PICTURE before we can truly understand the details. Too many want to discuss the book of Revelation before they know anything about the teachings of Christ in the Gospels or the spread of the church in Acts.

So...on Wednesday nights I plan to start a little series of classes on FOUNDATIONS OF THE FAITH. Hopefully, next Wednesday I'll have an introductory lesson to that study.

Have a great Friday!

God bless,
Nathan