Many different situations may influence the conclusions that we reach, but we will note a few of them in this blog to create an awareness of such outside influences that encourage us to reject any objectivity toward the truth. Of course, most of us claim that we want the truth. Even more of us would think that we have the truth. Further, among that number, we rarely find any two people that agree on much. What determines whether we can be one, even when we disagree, has its own set of variables that differ.
One of the influences that lend toward prejudice is the human rationale that assumes what a loving God will and will not do. Rather than depend on what He has revealed that pleases and displeases Him, humans reason that he surely will not care that much. Too many biblical cases demonstrate that God seeks to be obeyed. Unless there is some prior precedent set, some previous example or strong inference wherein He allows an action, we had better quit presuming to know that He will approve of something He has nowhere authorized. Children and parent relationship provides a good example of this expectation. If my Father had told me to feed and water the cow in the lot after school and I will see whether we should get her out to pasture when I get home from work, then I had better feed and water the cow only. I cannot presume to know his mind and determine whether he will let her out or not. Some children will think that they are doing Dad a favor by passing that judgment on his behalf and based on our limited knowledge, will determine that he will surely let the cow out when he gets home. I had an older brother who was told not to put down a suffering animal but to wait until Father came home. There was a reason for those instructions. What is so hard about shooting a cow? But, thinking he can do it, he only caused the cow great suffering.
Another influence is our significant others, among family and friends who believe a thing is so, establish it as the truth. If it’s good enough for Grandpa and his father, it’s good enough for me. A long-standing tradition is the justification for it. Surely, they couldn’t all be wrong. If, for any reason, we come to see a thing differently, to change it would be to admit that wrong and in some cases question their status before God. Therefore, we choose to accept it and refuse to break tradition.
A third and final influence that we will consider here is whatever is easy and comfortable. Most of us do not like to question our belief systems because we do not want the reputation of being fickle and unstable. The challenge and difficulty of attempting any change would be too difficult and require too much work. It’s just easier to not make waves and allow a person to keep thinking as they have in the past. Some changes may require a different lifestyle and focus. It may require more social contact and togetherness. It may require more sacrifice, money, and discipline. So, whatever is proposed to us differs from our comfort zone, it is often quickly dismissed because of the comfort factor.
There are many more but the only alternative is to develop a love for the truth and allow that truth to conform our thinking, practice and teaching. We often have it reversed. We practice a think and teach it for many years, and then conform “the truth” to our pattern by twisting texts of Scripture out of context or perverting it by forcing it into a situation that is not applicable. This is called
“proof-texting.” It is the practice of settling on what we have chosen as truth and using the Bible to prove it. This has the cart before the horse. Keep going to the text and allow it to conform, shape, or fashion your thinking.