Holding Fast to What is Good: Engaging with Christian Books and Teachings
In guiding a brother in Christ through exchanged life truths, we discussed the topic of Christian books and teachings. He expressed a growing hesitancy to read extra-biblical writings, citing concerns about potential misinterpretations by human authors. When encountering an interpretation he disagrees with, he feels tempted to dismiss the author’s entire perspective. These concerns are valid, but they also present an opportunity to explore a biblically sound approach to engaging with Christian resources.
The Bible provides clear guidance on this issue: test everything, hold fast to what is good, and release the rest.
Biblical Foundation: Test and Hold Fast
The principle of discernment is not only encouraged but commanded in Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 - "But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."
Here, Paul instructs believers to actively evaluate everything they encounter, embracing what aligns with God's truth and rejecting what does not. This practice is a safeguard against both error and spiritual stagnation.
Acts 17:11 - "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
The Bereans were commended for their approach to discernment. They eagerly listened to teachings but verified them against Scripture. This attitude shows that we can be open to learning from others while maintaining the authority of God's Word as our standard.
Engaging with Christian Authors: A Balanced Approach
Christian authors, preachers, and teachers are fallible humans, yet many are gifted by God to edify the Body of Christ. The Bible affirms the importance of teaching within the Church:
Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Teachers are part of God’s design to equip believers. Their writings, sermons, and insights can serve as tools for spiritual growth when aligned with Scripture.
Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
This verse encourages believers to focus on what is true and honorable. Even if a book contains some errors, there may still be insights worth retaining. The key is discernment.
How to Discern: Practical Steps
Start with Scripture:
Ground yourself in the Word of God. A solid understanding of Scripture enables you to recognize truth and identify errors.
Pray for Wisdom:
James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as you read and listen.
Test Everything:
Use Scripture as the ultimate standard for evaluating any teaching or writing. If an interpretation aligns with God's Word, hold fast to it. If it doesn’t, set it aside.
Learn to Separate the Wheat from the Chaff:
Even the most faithful Christian authors are not perfect. Evaluate each point on its own merit rather than dismissing the entirety of their work for one disagreement.
Value Community and Counsel:
Discuss insights and concerns with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." This sharpening process can deepen understanding and expose blind spots.
The Danger of Rejecting All Extra-Biblical Resources
To reject all Christian books and teachings outside of the Bible is to neglect one of the ways God equips His Church. Teachers, preachers, and authors play a significant role in spiritual growth, as seen in the lives of many believers throughout history. For example:
Hebrews 12:1 speaks of the "great cloud of witnesses." Though referring to the faithful saints of old, this principle applies to the spiritual heritage passed down through centuries. Their writings and teachings offer encouragement and insight.
2 Timothy 2:2 - "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Paul’s instruction to Timothy illustrates the value of passing down teaching to future generations. This principle is evident in the work of Christian authors who write to share biblical truth.
When We Disagree: A Christ-Centered Response
Disagreement with an interpretation should not lead to wholesale rejection of an author or teaching. Instead, approach such moments as opportunities for growth:
Ephesians 4:15 - "Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Engage disagreements with humility and grace, recognizing that no one has perfect understanding but Christ.
Proverbs 4:7 - "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."
Seeking wisdom includes engaging with a variety of perspectives, always measuring them against Scripture.
Encouragement for the Journey
The fear of encountering error should not paralyze us or close us off from learning. Instead, trust in the Spirit’s guidance:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Scripture equips us to discern and grow. With this foundation, we can confidently engage with Christian resources.
Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Discernment grows through practice, not avoidance. Engaging thoughtfully with Christian writings is part of that process.
Conclusion: Holding Fast to Truth
Christian books and teachings, while not infallible, are valuable tools in the believer’s journey of faith. The Bible calls us to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22), encouraging discernment rather than avoidance. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, praying for wisdom, and approaching teachings with humility, we can glean insight while rejecting error.
May we be encouraged to learn from the gifts God has given through teachers and authors, always holding fast to the truth found in Christ alone. In this way, we grow in maturity, faith, and understanding, equipped to live out the life of Christ within us.