“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).
There was a time, not too long ago, when a frequent religious ditty was: “It doesn’t matter what you believe; all that matters is that you believe”. Its popularity back in the day only makes the sad truth about it even more tragic: It is a lie!
Note two things from the above text of Scripture which demonstrates singlehandedly the falsehood found in that once popular belief:
Doctrine gives direction to your life. Every wind of false doctrine is designed by Satan to blow you off course. If believed, false teaching will toss you to and fro like an autumn leaf at the mercy of contrary winds. First you are blown this way. Then you are hurled in different direction. Next you are tossed in another. Doctrine matters because your direction in life matters (Matthew 7:13-14).
Only truth points you in the direction of Christ. If it does not matter what you believe, verse 15 is a real head-scratcher for several reasons. Clearly, growing up in Christ is possible only when the truth is spoken in love and is heeded by those who hear it. If you want to head in Christ’s direction, you cannot believe whatever suits your fancy. You must believe and follow the truth.
Truth matters. Believing the truth matters.
Therefore, it DOES matter what you believe.
