Views From the Back Pew
Views From the Back Pew
I don’t know if anyone realizes this about me, but I am an excellent arm- chair coach. In fact, if more of these coaches would just listen to me, they would most likely be undefeated. Even though I haven’t spent time at their practices, I’ve never evaluated their team or even the teams that they might be playing. I’ve never reviewed the game plans that they have for their upcoming games. However, I’m certain that I know what’s best for their success. Isn’t that always the way it goes? My idea is always the best. It doesn’t really seem to matter if it’s a coach, a teacher, a doctor, or a preacher. Someone always feels like they have to give their input into what needs to be done better. Now, I completely agree with correcting someone who is teaching something that is completely incorrect. Especially if you feel like your preacher is teaching something that is not Biblical, then you absolutely need to speak up. However, before you charge the pulpit, make certain that you understand. It is always best to read your Bible so that you know what is being taught is correct. It’s okay to ask questions or challenge things so that we might all have a better understanding, but it’s vital that you know for yourself before you speak up. Also, it never hurts to have a conversation with the person doing the teaching. Maybe you misheard or misunderstood, and trust me as one who at times can be clear as mud when explaining things, it never hurts to ask for clarification.
God’s word is a powerful thing; it has the ability to transform us. But, it can only do that when we read and study it. One of my favorite verses is found in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The word of God is living and active because it is the word of the one true and living God. It’s meant to seek out the areas within us that need change. It’s designed to penetrate to the deepest parts of our hearts and discern the good from the bad. We can faithfully attend church or never miss a Bible class, but if we only open our Bibles for one hour a week, then how will it ever be able to transform us? In 2nd Timothy the apostle Paul is reminding Timothy to rely on the word of God. He says in 2nd Timothy 3:16-17, “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.” We will never be equipped if we don’t seek out the understanding that comes from knowing God’s word. It’s like the old Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” How can we be prepared if we don’t first understand what we are preparing for and second, do the work to prepare ourselves?
It’s so easy to sit in our usual Sunday spot and criticize the one who’s teaching the class or preaching the sermon. Normally, the criticism has to do with the length or maybe the fact that the subject is hitting a little too close to home. The fact is that God’s word points to change. It shows us that if we make the correct changes in our lives and obey God’s word, salvation can be ours. It gives us the changes that can make us into godly people, equipping us to do that good work. However, if we are unwilling to investigate God’s word for ourselves, then we have no room to be critical of others, nor will we ever become the person that God desires us to be. So, I encourage you all to set aside time each day reading your Bibles. When you are sitting in your Sunday morning Bible class or listening to the weekly sermon, take notes. Write down the verses used and go back and read them on your own; read the verses before and after so that you might understand the context. Instead of getting in your little friend group and criticizing something that you didn’t agree with, ask the questions or speak up. But, the most important thing we can do is be prepared, and that’s exactly what the word of God can do–prepare us. I pray that we will all discover the wisdom that comes from God that is revealed to us through His word. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Bryan Tucker, Minister
Okemah Church of Christ