So, do you think that it's right to tell someone that he (or she) is wrong in his religious beliefs? Before we answer that, let us consider another question: Do you think that it is right to tell anyone that they are wrong about anything?
Not too long ago, a man was driving down a one-way street. Someone attempted to turn the wrong way, heading directly toward him. Should he have pointed out the "One Way" sign to the other driver? Should we correct anyone who is in danger of doing harm to themselves or others?
Now, in all of the above-mentioned cases, most of us would say that we ought to go ahead and tell the other person that a mistake has been made (or is about to be made). Why? Because to intentionally refuse to tell them would be to allow them to do something that would put both our lives and their lives in danger.
However, when it comes to religion, we often want to view things differently. We don't want to disturb another person's peace of mind by suggesting that he might be mistaken. Also, we probably don't want him to tell us of our own error.
Why the change in attitude? Isn't the soul more important than the ease of life? Are we not as interested in believing and practicing the right thing in religion as we are in driving in the correct direction?
Paul confronted Peter face-to-face and rebuked him for his hypocritical behavior toward both the Jews and the Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-21).
Paul told Timothy to "reprove, rebuke, exhort..." regarding spiritual matters (II Timothy 4:2). To reprove and rebuke mean to tell folks that they are wrong. They also mean to point out error so that it can be corrected. This was to be done with patience and with Biblical teaching, but it is to be done! If Timothy were a good servant of the Lord, there would have been times when he would have had to say to someone, "You are WRONG."
Would the other person like that? Probably not, but it had to be done anyway. The Lord says so, if it is for our own good. This is why people should be of the disposition to consider what another has to say in spiritual matters. "Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate you: Reprove a wise man, and he will love you" (Proverbs 9:8).
- There is only one way to Heaven. (John 14:6)
- There is only one power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16)
- There is only one faith. (Ephesians 4:5)
Do you want to please God?
Unknown Author, (Bellaire, TX); The Reminder v.32, #33, August 18, 2013Revised by Gerald Gwartney
