Winds of Doctrine

Daily Devotional for December 1st

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
Ephesians 4:14

With all the events of life, it’s quite interesting how the Holy Spirit chooses to relate spiritual
truths to common truths. Winds blow and bring storms that can cause utter devastation. When a ship
is at sea, the storm winds blow and attempt to change the direction of the ship. The sailors have to wrestle the sails while the captain maintains the ship’s course by keeping his hand to the helm and his eyes on the compass.

In this verse, the phrase “carried about by every wind of doctrine” speaks quite a few things to
us. First of all, we see that the winds carried the person. This is very troubling because a
skilled sailor knows the winds can have an effect on the direction of the ship, but he corrects the
ship’s course by the helm. Next, it is false doctrinal teaching that changes the direction of the
child of God.

Our spiritual lives are no different. When a person is born again, their lives are continuously
bombarded by the devil’s winds. Doctrinal teachings are vital to keep us on course and are likened
unto a sailor’s compass and map so that we can continually reference them in order to keep us on
course. In an attempt to drive us off course, Satan will send false doctrines that seem to have
enough perceived truth in it to get our attention. Many people depend on their pastor or Sunday
school teacher to navigate them into truth. As a Christian, be careful as to the winds that blow in
your midst. What you choose to believe determines the direction you will travel spiritually. Paul
said to not be children tossed to and fro.

We do not have to allow the latest and most popular teaching change us. The Lord expects us to
compare that doctrine to the word of God to see if it is of God or not. Jesus is still rebuking
winds with His word! The word of God is enough to keep us away from the winds of doctrine that seek
to change our course. Could it be that you are off course in your walk with the Lord? Have the
teachings, that you’ve submitted yourself to, destroyed or else greatly devastated your
relationship with the Lord? If so, God’s map; the word of God is sufficient to bring you back on
course. If so, God’s compass, the Holy Spirit is enough to speak to your heart and reveal to you what to correct in your life.