The Christian faith stands on three foundational pillars: orthodoxy (right belief), orthopraxy (right practice), and orthopathy (right motives or emotions). These essential elements work together to define the legitimacy of our faith. True faith engages the mind, heart, and hands in perfect harmony, reflecting both the depth and sincerity of our devotion. Yet, all too often, one of these pillars is either missing or neglected, creating a spiritual imbalance that undermines our witness and growth. This article seeks to confront and remedy this determental condition.
Orthodoxy: The Foundation of Right Belief
Orthodoxy is essential because our actions and motives flow from what we believe. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine. Paul exhorts Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Tim 4:16). Similarly, Titus 2:1 urges, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."
Belief in the essentials of the faith—such as the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture—is non-negotiable. Jesus Himself declared, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Mat 22:29). Without right belief, even the most noble actions are void of eternal value. The Apostle Paul highlights this truth in Romans 10:2-3, saying, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
Orthopraxy: The Fruit of True Faith
Orthopraxy, or right practice, is the visible evidence of genuine faith. James boldly states, "Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:26). True Christianity is not a passive belief system but an active life of obedience to God. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn 14:15).
Here are examples of orthopraxic practices that every Believer is called to embrace:
Repentance: "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin" (Ez 18:30).
Prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17).
Studying the Bible: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2 Tim 2:15).
Sharing the Gospel: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
Charity: "Pure religion and undefiled before God...is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (Jas 1:27).
Accountability to the Church: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves" (Heb 13:17).
Orthopraxy reflects a life transformed by the Spirit of God, but it cannot stand alone. Without the foundation of orthodoxy, even good works can become mere self-righteousness.
Orthopathy: The Heart of True Devotion
Orthopathy, or right motives, deals with the why behind our actions. Why do we serve God? Is it merely to avoid hell, gain heaven, or be seen as moral people? While these are not entirely wrong, they fall short of the ultimate goal. True orthopathy stems from wholehearted love for Christ.
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Mat 22:37). Without this love, even our most diligent works and sound theology are insufficient. Paul underscores this in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, where he declares that without love, all else is meaningless.
In Psalm 42:1, David, a man after God’s own heart, presents the best example of orthopathy, when framing the following feelings: "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Our motivation must be rooted in a deep, passionate desire to know and glorify God.
The Bullseye of True Christianity
When orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathy are all present and aligned, we hit the bullseye of what God requires. Micah 6:8 captures this balance beautifully: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Let us examine our lives. Are we grounded in sound doctrine? Are our actions consistent with God’s Word? Are our motives pure, driven by love for Christ? If any of these areas are lacking, let us seek the Lord with humility, asking Him to align our hearts, minds, and actions with His will.
May we remember the words of Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." True Christianity requires all three pillars, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can strive to live lives that honor God in every way.
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