A Day-by-day devotional

April 1, 2023

Points of view

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Judges 15-18

Scripture of the Day: Mark 12: 18-27

Whenever I am given the opportunity and privilege to speak at church, in conferences or at the university, as I stand at the pulpit or lectern, I often look for one familiar face. It doesn’t matter who I find. It just has to be someone I can truly make eye contact with at moments when I would feel at a loss for words, unsure of what to say next, or just sourcing out for a reaction. Each time we speak, there’s always going to be someone in the crowd or audience who’s got a varying point of view. Not everyone would accept what you have to say. That one familiar face helps keep me on track.

The dogmas and beliefs that we hold on to, our understanding and perspectives, as well as our learned and personal theologies would never be always quite the same with each other. I may be on page one, you on page two, and another person at the last page of the book. We can never always be on the same page.

We have to understand that no denomination or belief is infallible. In one way or another, one or the other would be on the side of error. We would only really truly know if we have had the right interpretation or understanding when we have come face to face with God and ask Him directly. All of God’s children, who, in the first place, became His children, through their acceptance of salvation through His Son Jesus, have the Holy Spirit as their guide. The Holy Spirit lives in each and everyone of us. Therefore, all of God’s children are capable of hearing from Him. Those who carefully listen would know the sound of His voice. When biblical truth is twisted, the Holy Spirit-filled child of God would be able to distinguish it, because he follows the light. Light would always shine in darkness.

We may each have different points of view, but what matters most is that we stand by the core belief that our Father Almighty is the creator of heaven and earth. He sent His Son Jesus to the world, born of a virgin by the power of God’s Spirit. Having become man, yet remaining divine at the same time, He forgave us of our sins by shedding His perfect, sinless blood on the cross of calvary. He conquered death by rising on the third day. He is now seated at the Father’s side in heaven. When He ascended into heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide. Now, as a church, we await His coming. When He comes again, He will judge both the living and the dead, who will on that day be resurrected. In the end, those who are His, and are His redeemed will experience the joy of everlasting life with Him.

Our points of view might be divergent from one another. But that aforementioned core belief should hold and bind us together as God’s children. Furthermore, the best approach to exegesis and apologetics would be to let Scripture interpret, explain and support Scripture. The only point of view that actually matters is not yours or mine, but God’s.

Reflection: Have you ever come into a debate or argument about your faith? Healthy discussions are encouraging, and may even be a way to enable us to see the light as the Spirit shines the truth before us, whenever we come into certain theological flaws. However, if it leads to dissension, it is often wiser to let your flesh step back and allow the Holy Spirit to take complete control.

Prayer: Father, please build in me a strong and healthy biblical foundation. Tear down and shine light on the theologies, beliefs, interpretations and most of all, traditions that make me err. Amen.