There are many disputes about doctrine in the Christian body – in fact doctrines have caused Church splits. Some say that doctrines are not important and in some ways I agree yet in a very foundational way I must disagree for when we look at the meaning of the word “doctrine” we see that it is something that is taught or a teaching.
And if the body were to fully engage in the doctrines (teachings) of Christ, they would see that each believer at the very core of who they are must walk in this one doctrine (teaching) of Christ that is broadly exposed throughout not only the New Testament, but the whole of the Bible, the “DOCTRINE OF LOVE”
For without it we can honestly not even begin to contend that we are a follower of the Lord. And if we were to walk in, in the very power of this Doctrine sent from Heaven, we would put down our fleshly argument and pride and begin walking in the unity that such a doctrine births.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing”.(1 Cor 13:1-3)
We must understand that God’s glory is wrapped up in His attributes. His love, mercy, grace, wisdom, omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence–all the attributes of God–reflect and declare His glory. We glorify God when we in any way praise or acknowledge or experience or display His attributes. When we are examples of His love, for instance, we glorify Him. When we acknowledge and yield to His sovereignty, we glorify Him. That is what it means to glorify God.
This is a fundamental teaching that the committed disciple must be not only preoccupied with his Lord’s glory, but he also must be filled with His love. Perhaps this distinguishing mark of the committed disciple of Christ is the most significant of all in terms of practical living.
What kind of love marks a true disciple? Jesus said, “Love one another, even as I have loved you.” That sets the standard high, doesn’t it? Jesus’ love is selfless, sacrificial, indiscriminate, understanding, and forgiving. Unless your love is like that, you have not fulfilled the new commandment.
The enemy has been very successful in distorting this truth, for if the church existed in that kind of love, it would absolutely overwhelm the world. Unfortunately, that isn’t the way the professing church operates. There are factions, little groups, splits, and cliques. People gossip, backbite, talk, and criticize. The world looks, and they don’t see much love. So there is no way for them to know whether those who call themselves Christians are real or not.
Do you really want to maintain a testimony of love in this world? Then accept whatever comes your way, praise the Lord, and let His love flow through you to the one who wronged you. That kind of love would confound this world.
Real love is costly, and the one who truly loves will have to sacrifice, but while you sacrifice in this world you’re gaining immeasurably in the spiritual realm. And you are displaying the most visible, practical, obvious mark of a true disciple.
Praise God brothers & sisters for at this moment you may lack the marks of a committed disciple of Christ, but God can transform you into a true disciple if you simply surrender and let Him have your will. The life of a committed Christian may be costly, but it is the only kind of life that really counts for eternity.
Let us all adhere to and agree to walk in this one doctrine if non other – “The Doctrine of Love” In fact let us walk in the Radical Love that Christ teaches us to walk in. For then shall all of the world see the Glory of our God.
Radical Disciples - A Remnant Revolution 