Soundness
One hears much today about the "soundness" or "unsoundness" of his brother in Christ. Congregations on every hand have been labeled "sound" or "unsound." Warnings issued that the Church in Everywhere is "unsound," or that bro. Maybe-Its-you is not "sound."
As the "sound" has to do with the spiritual condition of one before God; i.e., healthy, pure, whole, without condemnation, it does behoove us to know all that we can about the spiritual condition of the Body of Christ. No one has ever been able to reprove, rebuke and exhort properly without the ability to distinguish between "sound" and "unsound." This necessitates a knowledge of God's word and application of it. Meditation and wisdom in the Unsearchable Riches of God are a prerequisite to understanding and applying the terms, and much harm can be done to a Congregation or an individual by their misuse.
To cite various instances of mis-handling these words would be a waste of time, as most recognize such is being done. It seems that we humans have some terrible faults that are right before our eyes, and yet unseen. The various promotional schemes in our midst are not only because of organization, but because minds have been warped into believing that theirs is the only important one. Others are secondary and insignificant, and one is looked upon as a "opposer to good" unless full fellowship is given to every whim and fancy of these beggars in disguise. Personal interest is good and needed by every Christian, but when things have to be done my way, then one has simply shown his vainness and ignorance.
And perhaps the after-effects, on those who fight such abominations, should be noted. It has become the habit of many to determine the "soundness" of a congregations by their stand on that which is called "the issues." A congregation may be "unsound" because of their approval of other organizations, various' recreational activities, and such like, but a congregation is not automatically "sound" if they oppose such innovations. There are many issues that determine the "soundness" of individuals and congregations, and to make ONE the determinate of a pure or defiled spiritual condition does not always work. "Soundness" is dependent upon holding fast to God's word in ALL things, and not just that which is current.
"Holding fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 1:13)
— 7319 Walnut, Southgate, California