by Jeremy Paschall
A carpenter was testifying in court about an on-the-job accident he had witnessed. The judge asked him how far he was standing from the scene of the accident when it happened.
The carpenter replied confidently, “Twenty-six feet, six and one-half inches.”
“How can you be so certain and so precise about that distance?” the judge inquired.
“Well,” responded the carpenter, “I was virtually certain that someone would ask me, so I measured it!”
The carpenter in the above story certainly anticipated the judge’s question and was thoroughly prepared to defend his answer. He had a tool at his disposal — a measuring tape — by which he could definitively determine the facts. Having used that tool to prepare his answer, his response to the judge’s inquiry was beyond any reasonable doubt.
When it comes to our spiritual lives, there are very few of us who have not been asked, “Why do you believe…?” Are you able to answer those question from the Scriptures? Just as the carpenter has equipped with a measuring tape by which he could confirm his answer, God has given us a standard by which we can check our beliefs — “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Holy Scriptures tell us what is right and what is not right in God’s eyes, how to get right and how to stay right in the sight of God. His Word is our standard. Deviating from that standard has serious consequences — “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
Some, when asked why they believe what they do, will respond, “Well, that’s what my family has always believed, so that is good enough for me too.” Others say, “My preacher told me that, and he knows more about the Bible than I do. I just take his word for it.” And a lot will say, “I really don’t know; it just sounds pretty good.” But none of those are the standard — God’s Word is!
The apostle Peter exhorted his audience: “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:13-17).
Are we prepared to defend, from the Scriptures, what we believe and practice? Do we know the Bible well enough to make a stand for the faith (Jude 3 -- Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.)? Let us resolve to grow in knowledge and courage.