In the ancient world, cities would build huge walls around their city to protect themselves from attack. These walls were well constructed, strong, and could withstand the fiercest army. But the walls couldn’t protect those who went outside its boundaries. God has given us a wall, a boundary, a protection. THE WORD OF GOD. In fact, Joshua was told to lead by the Word of God and not to go outside. Paul was always telling his audiences to stay within the confines of the Bible. Why? Because when you go outside, you are easy targets for the enemy.
Our verse today reminds us that we are to be well grounded. And how do we do that? By staying within the confines of Scripture. Building our lives on Him. This is REALLY important in the day in which we’re living. I’m not ashamed to say that I lean more on the side of conservatism because it’s safe territory. And my goal is to help you become grounded and stay grounded. In the ancient world, the Greeks were known for their great thinkers. The scholars of the city would get together and discuss the latest ideas, or the latest trends. How about this? This is a great idea! And then they would adopt those things into their culture.
Now hear me… following the latest trends can be good and fun when it comes to fashion, hair styles, decorating, technology. But the latest trends in Christianity is often dangerous. It’s been said that the method may change, but the message never does. I adhere to this totally. So why do we need to be well grounded? Because Paul says that if we’re not, then we can easily be carried away by empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense (Colossians 2:8). Within Christianity are two sides: conservatism and liberalism (or progressivism). Conservative Christians tend to adhere to the traditional (biblical) view of marriage, family, sex, gender. Liberal Christians tend to go outside the Bible and adopt cultural ideologies. This is a dangerous place to be.
I see so many flighty Christians… they’re unstable. It seems their feet are not glued down. They promote all sorts of wacked out things… basically, things the culture is promoting, not God. God’s Word NEVER changes. Let me encourage you to also lean on the side of conservatism. Go to a church that is known for their unwavering commitment to God’s Word and they are not ashamed to say so. My pastor often says, “The Bible is at the center of everything we do.” I don’t stand on the side of conservatism because I was raised that way. I stand on it because it’s safe territory and I would rather lead people in the right direction than in the wrong direction. I choose this side because it grounds me. And I want to see others grounded too. I hope this encourages you today.