The most famous shipwreck in history could be the Titanic that was touted as the ‘unsinkable’ ship which hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage and sank. The captain and ship failed and the passengers lost their lives. In the same way a believer can shipwreck his/her faith. Those who fail to navigate stormy weather of troubles, trials, tribulations, and temptations suffer shipwreck. Alexander, Hymenaeus and Philetus were given as examples. (I Timothy 1:5,19; II Timothy 2:18) Ships ought to be sturdy that could withstand currents and tides of the ocean. In the world there are currents of culture, tides of fashion, storms of fake knowledge, misty sinful morality, and vanity. Ships need frequent course correction.
1) Iceberg of false teaching: Teaching of deceiving spirits, deceiving desires of prosperity, genealogies, mysteries, myths, sacred traditions, empty talks, worthless philosophies… are sources of the false teachings. (II Timothy 4:2-4) False teaching generally has one focus like vegetarianism or celibacy and would expect all to follow this. Or it could be centred around a person, who is exalted, given the status of demi-god. Or emphasis on one bible verse and apply the same to extremes. For example, to greet one another with a holy kiss was distorted and adulterous relationships became a norm of a cult group. (II Corinthians 13:12)
2) Iceberg of world principles: Apostle John warns of Desires of eyes, body and pride of life, the governing principles of the sinful world. (I John 2:15-17) Believers are called to overcome the world. As Lord Jesus confronted Satan, believers should be equipped to use the Word of God the Sword of Spirit against Satan. (Matthew 4; Ephesians 6:10)
3) Iceberg of corrupted Conscience: Genuine, sincere, and good conscience is expected from a believer. When the conscience is seared with rebellious spirit, stubborn mind and disobedient heart, the conscience is corrupted.
4) Iceberg of indifference: When a believer is not led by the Spirit, could eventually become insensitive to the Spirit. That is ignoring and being indifferent to the Spirit of God, which is blasphemy.
Am I on the right course in my spiritual journey?