2 Timothy 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV)  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

A doctor of theology commented that we should pay attention to the order in this verse and then proceeded to speak about reproof as it that was the first item in order. He ignore profitable and perhaps he did so because he was the teacher.

What we are taught should first be profitable. What does Paul mean in saying profitable?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Teaching should leave you better off than when it first began. It should move you further down the path towards maturity, towards perfected love, towards godly wisdom, and hopefully closer to our Lord.

I studied this doctor of theology for years before I discovered the errors in his approach to theology.

“I am smarter than you, listen to me.” His ego got in the way and it cost him a readership that numbered in the millions. He failed to adhere to his own advice. Look to the order and do not forget your place.

We are all human and the head of the body is Jesus Christ. Having a voice to be heard comes with a grave responsibility to be sure that what we say is profitable to the wellbeing of the listener.

An approach that seeks to tear down before building up has failed because those of us that came to Christ have already been destroyed and now we are born again, a new creation.

None of us are perfect and that fact should not be lost on us as we try to help one another.

“I need you more than you need me.”

If we are to serve God, we need each other. His word tells us plainly. “Love one another.”