Dub Mowery
Surely you have heard the above cliché. If a person actually made that statement in earnest it would reveal a very prejudiced individual. Those with this type of attitude have closed their mind and heart to the truth. Jesus speaks of such people at Matthew 13:15, when He said, “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Admittedly, it is hard for most of us to change our convictions or to make an “about face” concerning that which we have held near and dear to our hearts for a long period of time. And there is certainly nothing wrong with this within itself. However, a closed mind is not the answer! If everyone had done that in the past then the average person would still think that the earth is flat. Even though the Bible revealed the earth was round hundreds of years before men in general had come to realize that fact (Isa. 40:22).
While teaching a Bible class on Sunday morning or Wednesday night someone may present a different point of view on a passage than mine. When that happens I listen very attentively to what they have to say. My religious convictions are based upon a careful analysis of what is taught in the Bible on a given topic. When an opposite point of view is presented, then I carefully analyze their view and reexamine my position on the same passage. My desire is to obtain truth, not to win arguments. I’ll readily admit my position on a given passage of scripture is wrong if such can be proven by the Bible. If their position on the same passage proves to be wrong then I calmly reason with them by examining other passages of scripture pertaining to the same subject.
When you develop religious convictions make sure those beliefs are based upon a “thus saith the Lord.” We do this by using the inspired Word of God as the standard. With this in mind, the Apostle Paul declared, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thess. 5:21). The Bereans are a classic example of those who examine things taught unto them in light of the scriptures (Acts 17:10-11). Much of the religious division would be done away if their example was followed.
Our Savior Jesus Christ taught, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). Do you truly hunger and thirst after righteousness? Can you lay aside preconceived ideas and with an open mind search the scriptures for the true answers? Listen to the assurance our Lord gives to those who will abide in His Word, “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32)
