The attitude of some individuals, concerning religious matters, is just as we have suggested in the title. We are speaking not only of our denominational friends, but most especially of our own brothers and sisters in Christ. Those that are supposed to have brotherly love one for another, yet profess the above attitude when discussing the word of God.

It has been said that "one should never argue politics or religion." In one way this statement is true. Arguments rarely are of benefit to any. However, discussions in which both sides keep an open mind can be of great benefit. We need not to prove our point, but rather, what does the Bible say. But, whenever one sees the beginning of a disagreement, one can see the barriers being thrown around the disputants. Then each one yells: "What! Me Wrong?"

If one disagrees with us concerning the gospel of Christ, we need to understand with who the disagreement is. We seem to always take it as a personal insult to our knowledge, and therefore great arguments follow. After all, we have to defend our reputation, dont we? When we understand with whom they are disagreeing, then we can understand that one does not defend his reputation. Samuel thought the people of Israel had rejected him, but God told him they had rejected Him (I Sam. 7:8). And, if they refuse to accept the truth, we need be sorry for them as the words of Christ shall judge (Jno. 12:48).

Too often we manifest the attitude that we are right and everyone else is wrong. The attitude of some is: "Ive already made up my mind, dont confuse me with the facts." Then we have those who consider themselves infallible. "How could he ever think that I would be wrong on that point?" "Hes got some nerve, disagreeing with me." Thus they, have the feeling that anything they say must be right, and how could anyone think they are wrong. The New Testament gives a good example of just this kind of attitude. In Acts 26:9 Paul states "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Then in I Tim. 1:13 Paul says; ". . . but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly and in unbelief." People today who feel they are always right, are just like the apostle Paul before he obeyed the gospel, ignorant and unbelieving. We are told in Jno. 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

If we know the truth, have knowledge as we should, then we should know better than to believe our opinions are always right. The only time we can be sure we are right is when we agree with the word of God. The prophet Jeremiah stated in Jer. 10: 23, "0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps." In Prov. 12: 15 we read, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." Prov. 14: 12, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death." Let us be careful that our attitude does not send our soul to the eternal torments of - hell! Rom. 3:4, "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar ..." If we are not in agreement with the word of God, let us admit mistake and let the word of God always he accepted as true, and the opinions of men false.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 30, p. 13
June 1, 1972