Disciples are Learners, not Perfect

 A true Christian is a disciple. That means someone who learns and never stops learning.

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Jn 8:31–32 NRSV

Some Christians imagine that they have complete grasp of the truth, so that they never stop correcting misguided people and especially Christians who think differently. People like this are no longer teachable, not open to learn. They are no longer true disciples, but dogmatic know-alls. 
 
If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 
But if anyone loves God, he is known by him. 1 Cor 8:2–3 CSB

What does that actually mean? 

Bible knowledge is worthless unless we are in a humble and loving relationship with God, unless we are constantly led by the Holy Spirit and allowing God to teach us how to understand what He is saying in His word, the Bible.

If I think I can rebuke other Christians, then I must love and respect other Christians, and I must be teachable myself.

Jesus said we must remain in His Word.
What does it mean to remain in His Word?

Some Christians hold fast to certain beliefs and proof texts, and they use these teachings to rebuke other people. This was the case with the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus and Paul.

Jesus and Paul were able to rebuke misguided people, but their approach was primarily characterised by mercy and helpfulness.

Are you an encourager? If you don't encourage those around you with love every day, you've already gone wrong somehow. Maybe you also have some days that aren't so positive. I do too. Paul also knew that he was still on his journey and had not yet reached his goal.

I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. Php 3:12 The Living Bible, Paraphrased

Do you always focus on doctrines and proof texts and want to teach other Christians and give the impression that you are always right about everything? Then you are on the wrong track.

Paul taught misguided Christians, but he was always humble and motivated by love.

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel…. Rom 9:2–4 NIV

Jesus also rebuked his Jewish contemporaries with harsh words and threatened them with the flames of hell, but his heart was still moved by love.

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 
and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. Lk 19:41–42 NIV

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Lk 13:34 NIV

When we are indignant because of false teachings, we must always return to this love and mercy of God so that we do not become proud and self-righteous.

Think for Yourself

 If you have good parents, you are blessed. A child before puberty with good parents will often agree with his or her parents on most things if not everything. God wants us to be respectful and teachable.

But God also wants us to learn to think for ourselves. If you are old enough to vote and you still agree with your parents, your church leader or your preferred political leaders on absolutely everything, I would question whether you have ever learned to think for yourself at all.

Paul tells Timothy to carefully study the Bible, to make sure his teaching is correct. Timothy had been well taught by Paul, but Paul did not want Timothy merely to repeat what he had been taught, but to study for himself.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 2 Ti 2:15 NET

Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this. 2 Ti 2:7 NET

Paul did not want Timothy to be passively dependent on Paul’s own words, but to think about his teaching and seek understanding from God Himself.

So many Christians allow themselves to be passively programmed by the ideas they receive from their parents, teachers or preachers. This makes the church weak and immature.

Paul wrote to the converts in Ephesus, praying that they would receive wisdom and revelation directly from God, and not just be passively content with what Paul had taught them.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Eph 1:17 NIV

Justin Giboney ... @JustinEGiboney (from X, ie Twitter)
The idea that we must be entirely progressive or conservative on every issue is a ploy to control our cultural and political opinions.

Once we buy into it and wear the label proudly, critical thinking is no longer necessary. The influencers do all the thinking for us.