“If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.”
~ 1 Corinthians 14:37
We have a tendency to think that we are right. All of us. No one is predisposed to think they’re wrong all the time. And even those who tend to say they’re wrong are even trying to be right about that!
This can cause us to be blinded to our own biases. We often think that we are right about some topic, and become woefully myopic in how we understand it. We read those who agree with us, seek out echo chambers of ideas, and refuse to give ear to those who disagree.
In some ways, this can be helpful. For example, when we find ourselves in a culture of falsehood or extreme political views, it can be helpful to turn off the ‘noise’, and simply focus on truth.
But there are times when this type of action is extremely dangerous.
We see this in arguments. If you watch two people arguing for any length of time, what you’ll notice is that neither is listening to the other. They are simply preparing their next statement, thinking, of course, that they have the ‘zinger’ that will put everything to rest. There is no true exchange of ideas—there is only bitterness and pride.
Sadly, though, we can often do this with the Lord. When we come to the Bible with our own preconceived notions of truth, we can be like those who bicker in argument, but with God instead of men.
Rather than reading passages with a heart to understand, we can read with a heart preparing an answer. We push against ideas that do not conform with our views, and we can even turn away from clear truths in an effort to maintain our position.
But how foolish to argue with God! No wonder that the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians that if anyone thinks he is spiritual, he should understand that Paul’s words were from God! This should have been painfully apparent, and the readers should have submitted to his direction.
When we come to scripture, we must have a heart that is, first and foremost, submitted to God. We must come with listening ears and hearts, rather than with argumentation. Only then will we be walking in the Spirit, and only then will we learn from Him.
If we don’t like what we see, we must remind ourselves that God loves us, and has proven that love by sending Christ to die for our sins (Rom 5:8). Surely if He would do such a marvelous thing for us, He will freely lead us into truth and joy!
