As we start off the new year, there are many things we might have on our minds. Where is our nation headed? What kind of person will run it? What historical events will take place compared to last year? Then there are the personal resolutions that we all say we’ll do, and for the most part; never keep. But one thought that needs to be looked at is theology.

In the Church among the youth and young adults is the rise of a hunger for theology. Systematic Theology to be exact. Theology is a great tool, and without it we cannot know the things of God. Theology means “The study of God” when we study and learn about God from His Word. We start to build a theology that covers areas of life, and questions (Who is God? What is He like? What is God’s will for my life in general?) that we may ask. As we find out more about God or see something in a new light. There is the possibility of an effect in theology that is crippling to our walk with God, fellow Christians, and the world around us. I want to point out three areas that feel the crippling effects I have observed in my own life and others around me.        

The first area I would like to point out is “focus”. Focus in theology influences our doctrine greatly. When we look at our theology, we must remember “Where is our focus at?”. When we realize something new about God. We tend to lean more in awe to the “something new” instead of God. When God’s intent is to be more in awe of Him; we are still at the starting line. How many Christians are still at the starting line, and know theology well! We even can take on the role of a record player. Every time we talk it’s the same things about God and we haven’t even seen how to apply it to life. Where is our focus? When we’re unfocused it leads to wrong views. Intern, we can become ignorant of other truths in the bible, because we cannot settle our minds. This could rob us of the truths God would have us learn. It’s like looking at the world with one eye; you need both to see it all more clearly. 

Our second point with crippling effects in theology is “Attitude”. I noticed a church sign once that said “Attitudes are contagious would you like someone to catch yours?”. It’s a very good thought. When our focus is in the wrong our attitudes will be also. For instance, if you believe that God loves everybody in a true and fair way without respect of persons. What kind of effect can that have on your attitude toward strangers? How would you give people a chance before you judge them: when there is yet nothing to judge? The book of James says if you treat the wealthy appearing person well, and treat the poor person badly just because he’s poor and seems of less importance. James says you’re in the wrong and of evil thoughts. Can you see the comparison of a good theology and one that’s gone bad? 

The third area of effect is, and you may have guessed it. Yep, it’s our actions. In our three points each one lays hold to the next. Though our actions may be last in its effect to us. It’s the first thing to those around us. People pay mind to our focus, and attitudes. But our actions speak louder and have the deepest effect on others. When we first become Christians one of the biggest things you notice is the zeal for evangelism. But whenever we get cold on God or a little lazy. What is the first thing that always seems to leave us? Evangelism! What can strengthen the perseverance of our zeal for evangelism? One is our theology. It can be the fuel to the fire or it can hold us back when we should press on. Let me say this also; If your theology “whatever kind” weakens or stops you from evangelizing. It is wrong! Crippling theology affects our actions of love, humility, and true acts of righteousness. As our Lord describes in the Sermon on the Mount. 

All that being said, what can we conclude from this? Theology is a great tool instructed by the Lord, and we never can get away from it: nor should we want to. To think you can go on your Christian walk without theology is foolish. While we grow and learn we should take time to stop and reflect on this. Does our focus, attitude, and actions meet with the Word of God? My professor in college said; “Is my theology forming to the bible or am I forming the bible to my theology?” I thank him so much for that statement. I encourage you to ask yourself that very question. Let us take heed, lest we become like the first church of the seven churches in Revelation.

Ephesus was praised by the Lord for their diligence, discernment, and doctrinal purity. They had a good theology and was zealous in it, but they lost the love they had at first. It is this thought I want to leave you with. No matter what systematic theology you chose or biblical theology: Calvinism, Arminianism, etc... Is the love that God first poured out on your heart, at conversion, still there? Has it grown with greater joy and admiration for the God of Heaven with your theology?

You may have all your ducks in a row, but the most pleasing thing to God is that He still has all your heart. As you start the new year I pray this verse dwells on your mind and heart. Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. My brothers and sisters in Christ, may all blessings be bestowed upon you and God be glorified in all things. Amen.