On our website, we welcome comments from friends who disagree, so long as they do so graciously.  But from time to time, we receive tirades from the angry, onslaughts from the dark side, hurling slanderous accusations at us for daring to suggest that (take your pick) Christians should go to church, the faithful should tithe their income, or the Lord’s salvation is for all time.  Such heretical positions, to be sure. (Not!)  I’ve noticed a trend in some of these mean-spirited commenters, which provoked the following little essay…. 

“I know I’m right! I’m not going to change!”

When you are wedded to your position, you tend to a) become angry at anyone taking a contrary position, particularly if their point of view is the historically orthodox view with Scriptural support.  In that case, you will need to b)  justify your position and c) deal with scriptures that say something different.

a) You become angry with contrary views. 

Each of us could learn a lot about ourselves by noticing what views on Facebook or in blogs pluck our strings.  There has to be a trend, and that trend will reveal great insights about us.

When certain points of view makes my blood boil, I begin wondering what just happened here and why. Sometimes I find my own insecurities about my point of view have surfaced.  That’s when I know I have to say to the Lord, “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.”

“Teach me, Lord.”

b) You need to justify your own position and convictions.

To justify a position which in your heart of hearts you know is not correct, you resort to all kinds of self-deceptions:

–Say “I have peace in my heart that this is right” or “My spirit testifies that this is true.”  Similarly, “This gives me a warm feeling inside.”  This is so patently ridiculous–even though I’ve heard Mormons say it–that it hardly deserves a comment here.

–Say “The Lord told me this was true, even if it’s not in the Word.”  Or, maybe something like, “As I was contemplating this, a dove flew down and perched on my chair, and I knew that was the Holy Spirit saying this had His blessing.”

Or something equally ridiculous.

When we don’t want to believe a truth, we will try to justify our stubbornness any way we can.

c) You have to find a way to deal with scriptures that say the opposite from what you have been believing and teaching.

Some of the most popular tricks include:

–Say, “That scripture doesn’t apply.”  How easily that dismisses the clear teaching of Scripture.  “It was meant for them but not for us.”  “For another place and time.”  “You have to understand the culture of that day.”

–Say, “That’s not in the earliest manuscripts.”  This statement, sometimes true, can cover a multitude of misrepresentations of God’s Word.

–Say, “You’re interpreting it wrongly.”

–Say, “The Greek (or Hebrew) says something entirely different.”

–Say, “The translators pulled a fast one here and slipped in a bit of heresy. What the original language actually says is….”

And the poor gullible sap listening to you in wonderment (“You are so fascinating when you are excited!”) nods and accepts that you know what you’re talking about.  And proceeds to write a check supporting your ministry.

For shame!

Our Lord was talking about such blind leaders of the blind when He said, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and to be drowned in the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

Just so easily are people misled by charlatans who know better but who are so egotistical and self-righteous they dare not humble themselves and admit that they are children who need teaching.  The writer of Hebrews said, “Concerning (Jesus), we have much to say, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need again for someone to teach you the (basic principles) of God….” (Hebrews 5:11ff.)

Here is what Jude said of such false teachers: They are “clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.”  (Jude 12-13)

The child of God who would be faithful and true to the Lord and His Word must always be willing to—

–change doctrine and beliefs when shown by the clear Word that what he’s been believing is mistaken.  Anyone unwilling to do this is dangerous.

–correct his conduct and behavior by the Word of God.  Scripture is profitable for doctrine, yes, but also for correction and instruction in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:15ff.

–submit to the godly admonishing of elders (mature, godly believers with a long history of faithful service).

I said to one would-be teacher of a difficult doctrine about which many of the most faithful tend to disagree, “You may teach your point of view to our people if at the end of each class, you add this: I could be wrong; that’s my opinion.”  When she grew upset at the very notion she could be wrong, I calmly informed her then the subject was closed.  She never forgave me.