Have you ever been so locked into seeing things a certain way that you are blind to another?
Let me give you 2 examples-one personal and one Scriptural.
For many years I was locked into one interpretation of a doctrinal position. That doctrine is not important to mention at this point. For over 20 years, maybe more, I staunchly defended, argued, and even wrote off those who didn’t agree. Then two events changed that. One was the death of Keith Green (an early Christian music pioneer), and the other was when I met myself in people and didn’t like what I saw. Narrow-minded. “We are right; you are wrong; and we will argue with you about it.” (Direct quotation from their mouth). I despised that picture. I’d like to say I baled quickly, but that would not be true. It was a slow process until I finally said, “I’m done.” I left that camp and position and haven’t looked back (except in repentance and disgust).
The other example is in Mark 12. The Sadducees, who didn’t believe in the resurrection, asked Jesus a resurrection question. It was about a man who had 7 brothers. The Law said if he died his widow was to marry that man’s brother. After she out-lived all 7 brothers and died, who would she be married to in the resurrection? Keep in mind these guys didn’t even believe in the resurrection. Jesus saw through their facade and called them frauds.
They were locked into a certain interpretation and missed the point. Knowing the Scripture is important, it is the key to experiencing God’s power. But sometimes we miss it by being locked into a certain interpretation. I was set free when I saw the dead end of my legalistic doctrine/interpretation of Scripture. Life comes when we open our eyes to the Word and its truth.
Having a “my way or the highway” view of life simply doesn’t get us to the place God wants us to be in our relationship with Him and with others. You’re certainly not alone in needing that type of wake up call, Bill. Thanks for your honesty here, something we could all use more of.
Blessings!
Thanks for your comment Martha. Yeah, the “my way or the highway” approach is dangerous and lonely.
We all have opinions, we all have feeling and we can get caught up in our own opinions or feelings and we can stop listening to anybody or anything that goes against that. We have to be careful not to let feelings override our common sense, and drive our opinions. It always good to have a few scriptures you can quote to your self that calm you down, and helps you keep your mouth shut. Whenever you stop and pray, and ask God to help direct your words or thoughts, if you truly pause, God will help you.
You are so right Gail! I have those go to verses. one of mine is Psalm 37:5. it reminds me who is really in charge…and its not me.