A Challenge

 

In my medical practice, I was often called on for second opinions by patients who were unsure of another doctor’s diagnosis. Most of the time I was in agreement, but sometimes I came to a different conclusion. I could see in some cases that the other doctor focused on a single thing in reaching their opinion and ignored everything else that pointed in a different direction. We use the term premature closure for that type of thinking and it has become more noticeable now that doctors are spending less and less time listening to and examining their patients.

 

I see the same problem in America today. Politicians and even leaders of Christian congregations and organizations make statements that seem to directly contradict Jesus’ teachings. They may even quote a particular Bible verse to support their position, ignoring all the other verses to the contrary. It’s not for me to judge another person so I make no assertions as to their motives, but I’m saddened, even angered sometimes, when God’s Word is so clearly distorted. It’s bad because it’s often done to support actions or behaviors that are harmful to people. It gives a false witness to the world and harms the cause of Christ.

 

What can we do about this?

 

1. First, as in all things, pray. Ask God to work in this situation however He wills. Pray for revival and for an increased longing for God’s Word.

 

2.  Immerse yourself in God’s Word. I challenge all who read this to go through the Gospels over the next few weeks and read them as if Jesus was speaking to you today about your life and the current state of our world, remembering that ….. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Then, go on and read the rest of the New Testament from the same perspective. You may find it helpful to use one of the study Bibles that are available.

 

 3.  Challenge others to do the same, to immerse themselves totally in God’s Word. It’s critical that we bring His Word to bear on the problems we face today. Christians should never be in opposition to God’s will, but there are those who seem to be unaware of His teachings or unwilling to apply them to modern day life.

 

4.  Speak out in whatever way you can when you hear someone distorting the basic truths of our Christian faith.

 

The Word of God speaks to us as clearly today as it did 2,000 years ago. It is relevant to our daily lives. We read in Hebrews, “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 

We are in a spiritual battle. Paul advises us to ….. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:11-12).  The only offensive weapon in our armor is ….. “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). We can’t afford to let our sword grow dull.

 

May we be faithful witnesses for Christ, empowered by His Spirit and resting in His word.

 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).