Thoughts Worth Thinking

Accuracy!

There is a right way and a wrong way to do everything. In many areas of our daily existence, we are not extremely critical regarding the “wrongs” committed. We call them “typos,” or “incorrect answers,” and may respond to some requests for accuracy with comments like, “Close,” or “it’s tolerable.” Even in professional areas where exactness is crucial, there are “tolerance levels” included in their measurements. Engines have a “tolerance level” with valve clearances, various electrical devices have “tolerance levels” regarding voltage and even in some buildings there is a “tolerance level” regarding measurements. At times, the state police permit a “tolerance level” regarding speed limits. Seemingly in our world, the list of items for which there exists an “acceptable inaccuracy level” would amaze us!

Yet, there are numerous things of which there is “zero tolerance” for error. Think of the minute calculations of precision required for a neuro-surgeon, or cardiac surgeon. Would you allow them to operate on you with some “close enough” attitude toward their skills? In the construction of many tools and even structures, absolute precision in accuracy is required to assure the safety of those who use the tools and/or the buildings. As one such designer told me, “If I’m off in my calculations, I could get someone killed.” It’s that type of care that impresses us!

Handling aright the Word of God is of no less importance than the surgeon handling the scalpel. Hebrews 4:12 tells us this Word is powerful and alive, dividing even between joint and marrow, soul and spirit. That’s a very precise line! However, many are not as careful in using the Word in ACCURACY. If “off” a bit here or there, to them, it seems as “no big deal.”

Let’s start with the reality of preaching. There isn’t a preacher alive who has preached for any length of time without making mistakes in quotations of scripture: both in citation of the passage and its content! These are not intentional errors at all: like others, we can and do confuse passages from time to time, and while speaking, it is often unnoticed by us as we have a particular point on our mind. When the attentive listener kindly corrects our mistakes, we rejoice in recognizing they indeed listened well enough to catch the error, and they love us enough to kindly (as opposed to critically) point out our mistake! These are listeners that without question prove their interest and their attention to ACCURACY – and we appreciate them!

The same is true of those who read publicly, or speak at the table, or teach classes. There are times when UNINTENTIONAL errors come forth as “absolute truth.” The attentive will point them out and when possible, corrections are made. In these two realms (preaching and other public proclamation of truth) there should be no tolerance for error, but honesty demands we accept its reality! Thanks be to God for those who lovingly help us correct these inaccuracies.

Yet, when it comes to the soul, ignoring the ACCURACY OF TRUTH is deadly – eternally deadly! Berea receives commendation for “checking on the accuracy of Paul” (Acts 17:11). 2 Timothy 2:15 is a passage applicable to all Christians; not just those who proclaim the truth in some public fashion. Frankly, accuracy is the necessity of all we say and do (1 Thess. 5:21); for without the PROOF of God’s Word, and the ACCURACY within, man would be at liberty to believe anything and everything and nothing would be wrong at all! That simply is NOT the way of God. With Him, there is His way, and the wrong way (Is. 55:6 – 11; John 14:6; et al).

Thus, our ACCURACY in all things according to His Word must improve! Souls are at stake. Some will only listen once to the truth; and if that truth is skewed, even unintentionally, their mind is led in the wrong direction – away from the integrity and dignity of TRUTH toward corruption regardless of how “insignificant” or “minute” the instigation of error!

Both teacher and student increase their accuracy of God’s Word via diligent study of God’s word! The more one fills his/her mind with God’s truth, and NOTHING else, the more accuracy of that truth embeds itself as it must to the soul! (Col. 3:16). We learn to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7) and gain strength in the accuracy of that walk via the source of our faith (Rom. 10:17). Will mistakes happen? Yes, but note from 1 John 1 the graciousness of our Father to forgive us when we learn and repent because we long for greater accuracy in our lives.

Perfection is an ongoing process (Phil. 3:15). Though commanded (Matt. 5:48), its arrival requires patience (Rom. 12:1-2; James 1:4). Perhaps a better description of the word ACCURACY in this realm is FAITHFULNESS. As we know, it requires our lifetime to achieve (Rev. 2:10; 14:13) but its eternal reward is worth the effort. Of that life’s effort, let us be daily increasing our accuracy!

Mike’s Musings …

Don’t Preach That!

Paul said to the elders of Ephesus he had “not shunned to declare … all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) Did he preach more to them than he did to Cornith? He wrote to Corinth saying, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2) Certainly not! Careful reading of his letters shows clearly he “covered all the subjects” with diligence! We are left void of every detail of his eighteen months in Corinth (Acts 18:11), and equally so of his three year work at Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Yet, we know enough to show he declared all the counsel of God – he kept back nothing profitable to their salvation! (Acts 20:20)

From reading the accounts of his travels, evidence is clear that not everyone “readily received” the preaching of Paul. The truth from his lips angered many, including brethren! To the churches of Galatia he asks them plainly, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) Indeed, there were those who walked no more with Paul, expressing a greater love for the world (ex. Demus – 2 Tim. 4:10).

Sadly, such remains the case among some souls who simply “don’t want to hear that subject.” Usually, the reason is simple: “It hits too close to home.” Yes, there’s a right way and wrong way to express the truth regarding even the more “delicate” subjects. (Col. 4:6) But simply because the subject is “uncomfortable” is no reason to avoid its reality and teaching!

Such a trend as “don’t preach that” isn’t new. (Isa. 30:8 – 13) Paul addressed the same issue with Timothy. (2 Tim. 4:3-4) Still, dear faithful one, it doesn’t change the necessity or preaching regarding such matters. Peter described Paul’s writings as containing “some things hard to be understood.” (2 Pet. 3:16) That doesn’t make them “impossible” and certainly not “unnecessary.” Realizing God’s word is a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12), we must accept the fact some facts may be more difficult (i.e. “uncomfortable”) to accept than others: often because we ourselves are not willing to accept the personal rebuke from such truth!

God be thanked for those courageous enough to “stand in the gap” (Ezk. 22:30) and not be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). Too often brethren forget the directions of God are more than “hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized.” His truth includes matters of every aspect of life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), even those matters which to some might be “distasteful.” But they are indeed for our good – our eternal life (Matt. 4:4; John 10:10; Col. 3:16; et al). I muse on the reality there is no greater guide for our life than the guide given us of God (Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-4), our Creator! There is none greater … and therefore upon His Word – ALL OF IT, we must meditate day and night (1 Tim. 4:15 – 16).