Monday; May 17

As human beings, which do we like more – information or affirmation? I have been thinking about this for a while, but the recent Centers For Disease Control recommendation about face coverings, social distancing, vaccinations, etc. reinforced the concept with me. For those who felt comfortable (and safer) when people were wearing masks, they would cite information from the CDC – often to the chagrin of those who didn’t want to wear masks. However, when the organization came out with an opinion that mask-wearing could be optional for those who were vaccinated, all of a sudden, a lot of people who were growing weary of face coverings jumped aboard the CDC’s bandwagon. Isn’t it interesting that we tend to like the data we agree with more than the information that contradicts our beliefs and desires?

The reason I bring this up is not to re-ignite a debate about masks, rather as a caution us about our approach to the Bible. When we open the Word of God, do we do so to learn or affirm? Do we study the Scriptures to find the truth or to reinforce our opinions?

We must remember that the Bible is not our own spiritual treasure trove of supportive documents, it is God’s message to the universe. God did not write it to empower our arguments, rather to inform His redeemed servants. Let’s use the Word of God for its true purpose or as the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (II Timothy 3:14-15).

Think About It!

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