Gale Force Winds
Guarding yourself against false teaching - By Minister Moses

Our global atmosphere is today presenting us with some of the most violent and unpredictable weather patterns the world has ever seen. Two that alarm me most are hurricanes and gale force winds. When they take flight nothing can stop them. They make the most solid of structures appear helplessly fragile. Names given to them by the media like ‘Hurricane Bonnie’, ‘Charlie’ of ‘Wilfred’ far from describe their angry and destructive personalities.

It is because of this comprehensive ability to destroy that the Apostle Paul describes bad biblical teaching as ‘winds of doctrine (KJV)’. I think he uses this simile to illustrate the potential damage such ‘winds’ can cause in peoples lives. These are not winds that will destroy houses and tress however, but our faith, good conscience and peace of mind.
Ephesians 4:14 & 15

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

We live today in times of some surprising doctrines and teachings in the Church. Some are flagrant in their contradiction of scriptures, others are very subtle - both have the potential to make shipwreck of one’s faith. The good news however is that provision is made for us to withstand such winds, and by simply doing what the Bible teaches us, we can prepare ourselves to face the winds, even those of gale force strength, and be found standing strong at the end of them.

Here are a few guidelines found in scripture that will help you stand windy times;

Rule number 1: Know Your Subject
2 Tim 2:15 tells us to do our best to be workmen and women that are not ashamed; able to correctly handle the word of truth. Some people think that a sound knowledge of the scriptures comes by some supernatural encounter with God, reserved only for Pastors and Bishops, when in truth the reality is not nearly so exciting. It comes from study.

If we spent as much time studying the New Testament as we do watching the Premiership or some television dramas, we might surprise ourselves in how quickly we develop a sound and working knowledge of scripture based faith. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”; in order to reason, one must first be informed.

Rule Number 2: Eat to Grow
Children because of their lighter body weight are more susceptible to be thrown off balance by strong winds than Adults. Likewise Christians who remain in babyhood are more vulnerable to false teachings than those who grow at good pace. Ephesians 4:14 sets the goal at ‘growing up (in all things) into Him who is the Head’.

Growth comes from reading the Bible not just as a matter of academic study, but also approaching it as opportunity for spiritual nutrition. Jesus described the words He spoke as spirit and life (John 6:63).

The Word is also described in 1st Peter as ‘sincere milk’ that causes growth. This means we have to surround ourselves with as much Word for growth as possible. Listen to Word based music, watch Word based television programs. Get involved with a church where good Pastors and Teachers can help you become well nourished in the milk of the Word. This will ensure good growth and thus the strength to withstand storms.

Rule Number 3: Question Everything
Some people might be surprised by this one, as often the assumption is; if it comes from the pulpit it must be right. This is not always so. If you do not understand something, rather than walking away confused, respectfully ask for clarification at an appropriate time. Whenever you hear or read a biblical teaching, cross reference everything with what you understand of the Bible (see rule number1).

The believers in Berea took this approach even when it was the great Apostle Paul teaching, and they are described as noble in character…not rebellious. Isn’t that interesting! (Acts 17:11). Studying, checking and counter checking the scriptures builds character in you, and this will ensure that you become a string mature Christian that is bad weather proof.

Just as none of us can predict where or when in the world the next severe winds will strike, equally so none of us can guess from whence the next false teaching will arise. However, I leave you with the comforting thought we can in the mean time develop ourselves through Gods Word, so that when they do come, we remain (as in the words of 1 Corinthians 15:58) steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.