Faulty Reasoning

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:22 (NIV)

During a Bible study, the instructor asked a question that left all but one participant speechless. He asked what the difference between obedience and submission was according to the Bible. Thinking he knew everything, a young man decided to answer that obedience is being forced to do something; submission is doing something voluntarily, without anyone asking. But his answer only increased the confusion among the participants.

The instructor tried to explain wisely without wanting to offend him, but the young man, too convinced of what he thought he knew, left the room. His lack of knowledge made him arrogant. While he could have learned more, he left with his ignorance. What happened to this young man could easily have happened to someone who enjoys listening to sermons without devoting time to the Word of God.

The importance of God's Word in the life of the believer is to help them know God better and mature spiritually. The more we learn, the more we know and the more we grow. The less we know, the more arrogant our attitude becomes. This is why Paul teaches us not to simply hear the Word without putting it into practice. The best way to put it into practice is to study it and question it when we don't understand it. Don't assume you know everything and don't engage in reasoning that will get you nowhere. Study the Word and let the Holy Spirit teach you how to apply it to your life.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.