The first challenge was to understand what we believe expertly. How do we do that? Before we start with how, let's ask why? I go back to two scriptures to help answer these questions. The first is Romans 12:2 which directs us, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God." We are bombarded on every side by destructive world views that are packaged to appeal either to our old nature or to politically correct sensibilities. Consumerism and self-satisfaction are basic to our old nature and come in more forms than I have time to include or you have time to read. We consume and are then quickly consumed by pleasures of this world which render us totally ineffective because we become outwardly no different than those who espouse this world view. Political correctness is a polished version of the humanist religion that believes man is the measure of all things. If man is the measure of all things then how can one person force their beliefs upon another? We are bombarded hour after hour each day by this world view. The only way to combat this is to understand what you belief by renewing your mind constantly. As followers of Christ we do not have to fear truth! We must eradicate ignorance beginning with our own. We have allowed the secular world to tell us that we believe in a myth and that science has proven we believe a lie. Nothing is further from the truth. There is a saying in philosophy, "Beware the sound of one hand clapping." Question the prevalent world view and ask yourself if it is logical and answers the deep questions in your soul. Belief in God is logical and science only further reveals the wonder of His creation.
The second scripture is 2 Timothy 3:10 thru 17 that contains the familiar verses 16 and 17 which state, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." We have the inspired Word of God to teach us and to train our minds on the truth of what we believe. This is not brainwashing. The Bible challenges us to test the truth of Scripture. As an engineer I was trained to think logically, confront contradictions and seek truth. The truth of Scripture has nothing to fear from logical, honest examination. God created you and gave you a wonderful mind. Don't give your mind to anyone! Don't give it to the teacher, friend, parents or preacher. Instead, give your mind to the pursuit of the Truth of God. Choose your friends carefully. Question what teachers teach. Ask the hard questions to your parents and your pastor as you seek to renew your mind.
I have heard it said that if you spend one hour a day studying any subject, within one year you will be one of the most knowledgeable people in the world on that subject. In this day of sound bites and twitter postings, few people invest the time to understand what they claim to believe. Like physical exercise a small amount of time invested regularly yields positive results. Going to Church on Christmas and Easter will not transform your mind. Going to Sunday School and Church every week will not transform your mind. Labeling yourself as a "Christian", "conservative" or "evangelical" will not transform your mind. Labels are for people too lazy to spend the time to understand the issues and what they believe and why they believe it. Regular study of the Word using all the wonderful study aids available will transform your mind! We will then be able to give a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).
This is the first of the three challenges. We will cover the second in our next posting.
Continue seeking the higher road!
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