Monday, May 14, 2012
For such a Time as This:
Search for Truth
When
I was growing up we were taught that the two topics that were not pursued in
polite company and professional settings were religion and politics. All I can
say to that is…what else is there of any worth to discuss? Every topic that is
of any importance to me stems from my belief system as a Christian and how that
impacts our families and societies.
Every
day I hear people discussing what they believe as their opinions have somehow
transformed into facts in their minds. It is quite intriguing to me how certain
each person is of the validity of their beliefs no matter how incorrect the
information might be or how reliable a source this information comes from. Most often it is simply “tradition” that
people are so set on using as their guide to right and wrong. Since when did we
stop thinking for ourselves, and investigating the source of truth to which we
hold so dearly?
If
we are teaching something to our children about any topic invariably their
first question is “why?” It is such a
valid thing for anyone to ask. If you believe so strongly shouldn’t you be able
to explain why? Many times we find ourselves becoming frustrated at the
prospect of answering to them. So we have heard such answers as “because I said
so”, which as we know is not as effective as we would hope. What about giving a
valid reason for what we believe? Like saying that the reason I believe that a
certain issue is immoral is because the bible describes it as sin. For me as a
Christian that is the ultimate authority. And it should be the ultimate
authority for all Christians. This would obviously require Christians to
actually know what the Bible says on various topics, which would require one to
actually read and study the Bible. Seems like a plan to me. How can anyone call
themselves a Christian, go around spouting what they believe to be truth, and
never having actually studied what God has to say about the subject? It is a
fascinating and frustrating subject for me. I love God’s Word. I love to study
it to receive the truth and healing it holds. And even more I love to share
those truths with others. But God forbid that I should ever teach on my own
authority that which is not the truth of God.
“All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(NKJV)
I
would invite you all to hunger for the truth and seek it for yourself in the
Word of God. Don’t be intimidated by any pastor, teacher or other Christian who
presents their words as the authority because any good teacher of the truth
will invite you to seek the truth for yourself.
“These
were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the
scriptures with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out
whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 (NKJV)
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