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Truth Can Withstand Scrutiny

Do You Have a Lion or a Lapdog?

I say it often, and I mean it every time:
Truth can withstand scrutiny.
It's not just a slogan.
It's an invitation.

The Scriptures echo it: "Come, let us reason together," and "Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you." Neither God nor the men who penned His words ever criticized sincere questions or shut down honest examination.

But that's not always the posture of His people.

Why are some doctrines treated like lions to be unleashed, and others like pets to be protected? If truth can withstand scrutiny, why do some beliefs flinch when touched?

The answer isn't just theological—it's revealing.
And it's time we talked about it.

Before We Bark Too Loudly

It’s easy to read this and think of someone else's pet doctrines. But if every line in this makes you nod with righteous satisfaction and not one makes you squirm...
Pause. That’s not discernment, it’s deflection.

Pet doctrines don’t just bark from other people’s porches. Sometimes they’re napping on our own sofa right beside us. Familiar, well-fed, and unbothered… until someone knocks on the front door.

What a Pet Doctrine Looks Like (In Real Life)

Take a common slogan:

“God will never give you more than you can handle.”

It sounds comforting. It gets repeated like Scripture. It’s quoted as if it were a direct promise from God.

But the verse usually cited—“God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13)—is talking about temptation to sin, not every kind of suffering. Read the context and you see warnings, idolatry, Israel’s failures, God’s faithfulness to provide “a way to escape” from sin, not a guarantee that you’ll never feel overwhelmed by life.

Try pointing that out and watch what happens. For many, the response isn’t, “Let’s open our Bibles and see.” Instead, it’s tension, defensiveness, even suspicion—because you’re not just touching a phrase. You’re touching a pet.

A pet doctrine is any belief we protect from context, questions, and correction—because we like how it makes us feel more than we care whether it’s true.

Some of them sound “humble,” like “Nobody’s perfect” or “No one can keep God's commandments”. They curl up on our sofa like humility but quietly contradict what God actually says.

Truth can withstand scrutiny;

Pet doctrines growl the moment you touch their plush proof-text.

Truth isn't fragile. It can be flipped, questioned, tested, and still land on its feet. But pet doctrines? Rub them the wrong way and they snarl like you insulted their ancestry.

If your belief needs a quiet room every time someone reads the next verse, you're not engaging the truth—you’re babysitting a theological pet with separation anxiety.

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Truth is safe in an open Bible;

Pet doctrines need the Scriptures on a short leash.

Truth runs free through the whole counsel of God—ears perked, nose to the wind, unbothered by terrain or tension. It hunts for connections, not confirmation. Pet doctrines prefer a fenced yard with a “No Trespassing” sign. Suggest reading past verse 13 or comparing other Scriptures and suddenly they bark, whimper, and act like they've never heard of the rest of the Bible.

If your theology flinches at context or cross-references, it's not sound doctrine—it’s a nervous lapdog guarding its chew toy.

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Truth asks to be tested;

Pet doctrines demand treats, not tests.

Truth steps into the spotlight unafraid—it knows what it’s made of. It invites inspection. Pet doctrines just want applause and the same old treat. Hold them up to Scripture, and they flinch like it’s a needle, not a mirror.

If your belief faints at the thought of honest questions, it's not truth—it’s a pampered pooch dodging examination.

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Truth trains disciples;

Pet doctrines are house-trained to sit, stay, and fetch the same few proof-texts.

Truth shapes people who walk the talk, in sandals and under spotlights alike. Pet doctrines? Like Pavlov's pup, they're conditioned to bark on cue and stay in their theological crate. If your convictions vanish outside your echo chamber, you're not practicing faith—you’re performing for biscuits and approval.

If your “doctrine” only shows up for show-and-tell, it's not discipleship—it’s a parlor trick.

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Truth guards the flock of God;

Pet doctrines guard their favorite kibble.

Truth lays down its life for the sheep. Pet doctrines lay down guilt trips to protect their brand.

If your theology fights harder to defend what is comfortable than to liberate the bound and heal the wounded, it's not a watchdog—it's a spoiled mutt with a spiked collar.

What Scripture Actually Calls Us To

The call to test our beliefs isn’t edgy, modern, or clever. It’s biblical.

“These were more noble… in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11

Even apostles weren’t above examination.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Everything—everything—gets tested. Only what survives gets held fast.

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him… The first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
— Proverbs 18:13, 17

Pet doctrines hate “the neighbor” coming to check them out. Truth doesn’t.

How to Start Letting Truth Off the Leash

This isn’t about mocking “those people.” It’s about changing how we handle what we believe.

Truth doesn't need a muzzle or a leash—it just needs to be unleashed. If your belief collapses under context, dodges questions, and bites at correction, it's not a lion—it’s just a guard dog with an attitude.

Leave the Petting Zoo

Truth can withstand scrutiny. If your doctrine can’t, it might not be a lion at all.

We’re often convinced we’re defending sound doctrine from the mouth of God. But listen closely, and some of it sounds less like the Lion of Judah… and a lot more like a Shih Tzu.

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