“And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” — Galatians 2:13
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” — Ephesians 4:14
There is a dangerous weakness in the Christian life — not open rebellion, but subtle instability. In Galatians 2:13, even Barnabas, a good and faithful man, was “carried away.” He knew the truth, yet he acted contrary to it because of pressure. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns believers not to be “tossed to and fro.” This describes a Christian who is easily influenced, shifting with people, opinions, or fear rather than standing on truth.
The lesson is clear: A man may be sound in belief, yet unstable in behavior.
Unsettled hearts produce unstable lives.
When conviction is weak, influence becomes strong.
Illustration #1 — Abraham’s Half-Truth (Genesis 12:10–13)
Abraham, the father of faith, entered Egypt during famine and told Sarah to say she was his sister. He knew God’s promise, yet he compromised under pressure. Abraham didn’t deny God — but he adjusted truth to protect himself. Like Barnabas, he was a good man acting another way.
Illustration #2 — Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:55–62)
Peter boldly declared loyalty to Christ, yet by the fire: he was influenced by those around him. He denied the Lord three times. He wasn’t lacking love — he was lacking steadfastness. A strong disciple became a shaken man because of pressure.
- Be careful who influences you.
- Do not adjust truth to fit the moment.
- Guard against living one way in conviction and another in conduct.
Stability comes from being grounded in truth, not guided by pressure.
A Christian is most dangerous to the cause of Christ not when he falls openly, but when he quietly shifts.