Reasons Why We Are Wrong Pt. 1

A common southern saying is, “I don’t know about you, but …” and then the speaker goes on to mention something that may or may not be true of the other person. Well, that idiom may normally suit a conversation, but on this occasion, it does not. Why? Because I can say with certainty, I do know about you. There is something true about you, that I am absolutely certain of. You may be thinking; preacher, you don’t even know me. Maybe not, but I don’t have to. I know this much about human nature; none of us like being wrong. That includes you and me and everyone else on planet Earth.

Whether quarreling with our spouse, debating politics with a family member, disagreeing with a co-worker, or arguing with a stranger online, whatever the case – none of us like being wrong. While this is certainly true about trivial issues, we especially dislike being mistaken on matters we deem to be important. Rather than conceding our faulty action or thought, far too often we defiantly dig our heels in and refuse to budge an inch, even in the face of reason and logic. Why do we act this way? Our sinful hearts and stubborn pride simply don’t want to admit we’re wrong, ever. Nonetheless, regardless of how obstinate or headstrong we may be, we are often mistaken about any number of things.

My goal in this article (and the next) is to challenge you to consider some reasons why you may be wrong about spiritual truths. To my estimation, Biblical beliefs (or the lack thereof) are the absolute worst thing for anyone to be wrong about. Yet religious convictions are the one subject people are seemingly, most unwilling to admit they’re wrong about. If you are not a Christian, or even unsure about the legitimacy of Biblical Christianity, these articles can still benefit you because it is very possible you are mistaken about the Bible and the Christian faith for some of the same reasons we Christians get it wrong.

If however, you are a born-again believer, I ask you to consider that you may actually be wrong about some belief. In fact, I would go so far as to say, you definitely are wrong about some Bible truth. And so am I. None of us have it all figured out. When it comes to Biblical matters no believer is 100% accurate in belief or behavior. The real question is, when God’s Spirit reveals your error to you, are you willing to admit it and make whatever change is necessary? It really comes down to this; does it truly matter to you what the Bible teaches? Further still, are you willing to bow to the authority of Scripture, even if it means you’ve been wrong for years?

So then, what are some of the reasons why Christians (and non-Christians) are mistaken about spiritual matters?

First, we are wrong because we fail to actually study the Bible on our own. Inarguably, and I say this without apology, our failure to personally dig into God’s Word is the first and foremost reason why we’re wrong about spiritual truths. Whether believer or unbeliever, the most common reason why we we’re mistaken about the Bible is that we simply do not open God’s Word and read and study it for ourselves. Too quickly, and to our own peril, we neglect time in God’s Word for lesser things. In our culture, where the Bible is so readily available, there is absolutely no justifiable reason why Christians aren’t learning on their own. Yet, we foolishly binge-watch Netflix, stay glued to Fox News or waste countless hours on social media rather than pour ourselves into the study of God’s Word. This is like trading diamonds for dirt and is undeniably the number one reason why we remain ignorant of important spiritual truths.

While it is not my goal to guilt-trip anyone, far too few Christians are like those Berean-believers we read about in the Bible who; “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Did you notice that? These Christians heard God’s Word taught, then went home and studied it for themselves to verify they were being accurately taught the truth. Confessing Christian, how often do you do that?

Folks, the Bible is not an enigma. It is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. While I concede not everything in the Bible is easily understood, learn this; in Scripture, the main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things. If you are a believer, the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures lives within you. Part of His Divine Duty is to lead believers into a greater understanding of truth and away from error.

Reader, don’t let your ego keep you from learning the most important truths known to man. Finally, don’t be wrong about the Bible because you don’t know the Bible. Read it and heed it. Because whether you know it or not, you need it.

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