Seeing the Bible Alike Part 2

Can mankind see the Bible alike? Is it possible for each one to properly read, understand, and apply the Scriptures? So often there is disagreement and one will say, “That’s just your interpretation.” Are we forced to merely “agree to disagree”? Surely our God has something better in mind for His children than that sort of ambiguity. Let’s take some time to consider why this is sometimes so difficult. What makes it so hard for mankind to see the Bible alike?

Sometimes it is hard to see the Bible alike because of our relatives. Sad as it may be, I think we all have at least a few family members who aren’t faithful. It can be extremely difficult to hold to the truth when that means having to oppose your loved ones. Remember the eternal importance of obedience and the words of Jesus, “he who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt 10:34-37). When we love Christ more than all, we will not twist His teaching to try and justify disobedience among our family. Consider that we have an example to set and Heaven will surely be worth it all (Matt 5:16; 19:29).

Other times it can be hard to know the truth because of popular opinion and an abundance of false doctrine. Any Christian can feel doubt creeping in when they see most of the world standing against them. This can seem daunting, but it shouldn’t really surprise the child of God. The world loves its own, but Christians are called out of the world to live differently (John 15:18-19; 1 Pet 4:4). We understand the danger of going with the crowd (Exo 23:2). The broad way leads to destruction and many (the majority) go on that path (Matt 7:13-14). This broad departure from truth comes largely from corruption in religious leadership. False teachers pretend to be holy and prey on the flock (Matt 7:15, 21). Those promoting false doctrine confuse the simple preaching of the gospel, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds (Jude 1:12-13). We can cut through all the false doctrine and popular opinions of society when we seek the old paths – the way of the Lord (Jer 6:16).

Sometimes it is hard to agree on the truth because of our pride. We should admit how we can sometimes be our own worst enemy. Pride goes before destruction (Pro 16:18). When I am too full of myself to accept the correction of God’s truth presented in the Bible, I fall into Satan’s trap. Our adversary wants to keep the light of truth from shining (2 Cor 4:3-4). The fool says, “I have need of nothing” when he should be coming to God for healing (Matt 9:12; Rev 3:17-18). We need humility to approach Christ and abide in His teaching and His grace (Jam 4:6, 10; 1 Pet 5:5). We can see the Bible alike if we allow the message of truth to go forward freely, not hindered by our arrogance or our fears.