Healthy Thinking
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Titus 2:1
Sound Doctrine – With all the dissension in Christian circles over doctrinal differences, how do we know what is sound and what is not? There are so many denominational disparities that many are left with the impression that the only thing that matters is the intensity of your belief. As long as you believe sincerely, you are on the right path. Of course, one can be sincerely wrong, so this contemporary test of religion just won’t work. Perhaps if we paid closer attention to the words Paul uses, we would find a better way to examine doctrinal disputes.
Paul’s phrase is hugiainouse didaskalia. The first word comes from a verb that means “to be healthy or physically well.” Luke uses it all the time to talk about healthy bodies. Here Paul uses this medical term to describe something that promotes health. Paul combines this with the second word – a word for the act of teaching or instructing. In other words, Paul exhorts Titus to be a good doctor of the soul.
And what sorts of things must a good doctor of the soul do? He must do those things which promote spiritual transformation. Just as the objective of proper diet and exercise is a fully functioning body, so the objective of proper instructing and thinking about God is the fully functioning image of the Son in us. Remember what Jesus said to the man at the pool of Siloam? “Do you want to be well?” Of course, our translation misses the fact that He really asked, “Do you want to become whole?” – a much deeper question. That is the goal of “sound doctrine” – to make us whole. We are to become complete in Him, shining reflections of Jesus Himself, face to face.
And how does sound doctrine accomplish this? Sound doctrine produces spiritual transformation. You cannot become whole without significant change – in purpose, attitude, thought and action. If you don’t see observable, tangible change in the lives of those sitting under instruction, then you can be fairly certain that the doctrine is not healthy . . . or the disciple is not learning. Where the Spirit resides, life is different. Anxiety, fear, rebellion, resistance, apathy, antipathy and lack of compassion should be evaporating. Individualism must be giving way to community. Hearts and minds should be forming unity. Sound doctrine produces healthy believers – and the world will take notice, just as it took notice of Jesus.
Does this help us sort out all the particulars? Does it clear the air on baptism, tongues, gifts, gender or dozens of other “pressing” issues? Maybe, or maybe not. Those issues might still be up for debate. But it reminds us that unless we see transformation, all the rest is wasted words. Sound doctrine is about life – how it is lived, how it manifests itself, how it reflects the glory of the Creator. If that’s missing, the rest is useless. Start with what promotes health, nurtures growth and contributes to change. Is that the instruction you receive? Is that the teaching you’re living?
