WHO IS RIGHT? OR WHAT IS RIGHT?

(Bobby Graham, Gospel Guide, April 1999)

"It is easy to identify ourselves with persons because of similar dispositions, tastes, preferences, and habits. In cases where matters of right and wrong are being considered, we often say that we believe what Mr. So-and-So believes. This is probably the easier route, but is it the correct one?

When a Bible question is being discussed, it is quite common for many of us to "cast our lot" with some elder, preacher, or prominent brother in Christ rather than to take the time to study for ourselves and determine our personal faith and stand on our own feet. Dependence upon God and a willingness to receive help in study from others is much different from making our faith identical to that of others because of who they are.

Human being err, even when they do not intend to do so. God and the Bible never err. Is it not much better to examine the Scriptures for ourselves so that we form our own faith?

Even when our conclusions are identical to those of others, we need the strength coming from our own study to stand upon the firm foundation of truth. In this matter we need to imitate the example of those noble Bereans in searching the Scriptures daily to learn the truthfulness of what we hear (Acts 17:11).

When we form our own faith, guided by the Word, we then will believe and act as we do because of the influence of truth upon our hearts and lives, not who happens to believe and practice something. We ought to be more mindful of What is

right than of Who is right. Right is right regardless of who adheres to it or

who does not. Which is more important to you: Who is right? or What is right?"