[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
‘Trust but verify’ is an expression that came to prominence in the mid 1980s, particularly in relation to the discussions between the leaders of the USA and the USSR about limiting the proliferation of nuclear armaments. The expression itself is alleged to be based on an old Russian proverb but that cannot be verified! Does the concept of trust but verify have a spiritual application?
In researching these reflections I frequently come across a wide variety of understandings of Scripture, not least in reference to passages of prophecy. Some of these ideas are familiar, some of them are new to me, some of them seem plausible but others give rise to further questions. How can we learn from people with whom we might feel inclined to disagree?
We can, of course, simply dismiss these contrary ideas as wrong but that would be to miss an opportunity to grow our own faith. Instead, we can echo the action of the Jews in Berea who, when they heard what they thought were new ideas, took the time to listen carefully and then authenticate what they had heard.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Acts 17 v11 [NIVUK]
Could it be that these ‘alien concepts’ might actually have a seed of truth? In that case, why did they develop into brambles instead of roses? By knowing a bit more about them we might avoid falling amongst thorns ourselves. There is a possibility – however slight – that they might be right; how then should we react?
Are other people’s strongly-held opinions a threat to our own faith? It may be that, having given them due diligence, we conclude that we do not agree with what has been promulgated. To what extent are we justified in trying to put them right? Are we tempted to fire off a counter-argument? Do we pray that the Holy Spirit will help them to see the error of their ways? The apostle Paul warned his protege Timothy about over-reacting:
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
2 Timothy 3 v23 [ESVUK]
On the other hand, James advocated a different approach in his guide to practical Christian living:
Remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5 v20 [NIVUK]
Why do we find the Bible so ambiguous? Are we tempted to impose our own understanding on what we read? Paul had some more advice for Timothy:
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skilfully teaching the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2 v15 [AMP]
In short, the best way to clarify our thinking is to get to know the scriptures for ourselves.
The following lines, penned by Sir Henry Baker, writer of ‘The King of love my Shepherd is’ and sometime editor of ‘Hymns Ancient and Modern’, proclaim the practical value and eternal benefit of knowing God’s word:
Lord, thy word abideth, and our footsteps guideth;
who its truth believeth light and joy receiveth.
O that we discerning its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and fear thee, evermore be near thee!
Sir Henry Baker (1861)
References:
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Last week’s reflection: War, and Peace?
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys