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One of the keys to being a faithful and fruitful missionary is the unity of doctrine and life.

Doctrine

"Doctrine" literally means "teaching." It's a morally generic concept, like "food." We have to eat to live, but that doesn't mean we should eat anything. A steady diet of Cheetos and Twinkies will kill us, but a sensible blend of proteins, grains, and vegetables will keep the body humming.

In the same manner, New Testament writers never commend doctrine per se. Rather, they distinguish healthy from unhealthy doctrine. "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing" (1 Tim. 6:3-4). In other words, "Eat the vegetables, not the Twinkies," says Paul.

Life

But the church is not just a brain. It's a body that's made to do something. Why does Jesus give us teachers who love sound doctrine? "To equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph. 4:12). Why does Paul tell Timothy to "charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine?" Because "the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:3-5). Sound doctrine should always flow into a loving and attractive life.

To be continued.

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