Examine Scripture

Visiting with friends and family calls for a lot of patience especially if it’s been a long time since last you talked with them. Their lives have changed much, and so has yours. Experiences have made them different and yours have done the same to you. Differences become wider when you’ve had the opportunity to study and they have not.

When you’re ministry focused and have been trained for the purpose of doing ministry discussions will at some time address spiritual needs and understanding of Scripture. People like to be affirmed, and they like to sound wise and filled with knowledge. In their desire to be considered mature and knowledgeable they will freely discuss their opinion about the Church, the Lord, the Word and who they think God is.

When they do this they do not realize they expose their heart, and what truly rests there. Their need to be considered mature, wise and filled with knowledge reveals the opposite – their knowledge is limited, and at times surprisingly so.

Usually they expect approval, affirmation and state reasons their practices and behaviors are justified. Even when gently offering a kind and correct Biblical principle they will not accept it. Their feelings, emotions, behaviors and responses are justified, and they become defensive to protect what they believe. ‘God understands’ is their pride-filled defense. To them it proves they are right with God, and you are wrong. Have you ever been in a situation like this? It’s hard. The reality is God can’t approve and understand what is contrary to Scripture. The statement ‘God understands’ is almost a placebo expression – it salves the conscience – their emotional and spiritual need.

Recently, I learned it was pointless to try to address their incorrect belief. When I tried it ended with closed hearts. And so, I changed my tactic. Gently I suggested they examine the Word of God – to check what was written there. That they should take their Bibles with them to church, to Bible studies, etc. and read the texts referenced. Their understanding of what was in Scripture was their responsibility, and they needed to check on what they believed, was it truly in line with the Word of God. Was it truly His will how they lived, and responded to life?

What about you, do you know God and His will for your life? Do you examine the Word of God to find out more about Him, and His will for you?

• Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:5-7).

• Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:9).

• If you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5).

#Scripture