Right Thinking and Right Action

“There is a mistaken notion in modern Western thinking that ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ have little or nothing to do with each other.  Some - even in evangelical churches - take pride in their disdain for theology in favor of giving people ‘practical’ instruction on how to deal with issues in their lives, families, and churches.  A visit to the average Christian bookstore will easily demonstrate the popularity of such fare.  Paul shows us that he would reject such compartmentalized methodology.  Right thinking and right action are two sides of the same coin.  Without doctrine we are left to drift with the tides of modernity - victims of every ‘wind of doctrine.’  Without the faithful appropriation of truth in action, we are locked in an ivory tower far removed from the realities of the world into which we are called to serve Christ.  Paul’s writings give us the perfect balance of doctrine/theology and practical instruction.  Never does he place a wall of separation between these.”

Dan Mitchell, The Book of First Corinthians: Christianity In A Hostile Culture, p.10-11.