bits from bob....

What Do You Think?

by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...." (Heb. 1:1-2a)

What do you think? This is no unimportant question, for we are what we think. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Of equal importance is the question, "How do you think?" It is possible to think incorrectly using faulty logic. What others think should be important to us, not necessarily in influencing our own thinking, but in knowing others and meeting their needs.

How we think determines whether a glass is half-full or half-empty, whether a crane standing on one leg is on his last leg or putting his best foot forward, whether when you come to the end of your rope you should let go or tie a knot and hang on. Your way of thinking determines whether the rain dampens your spirit or provides creative drive.

In religion, the important question is not "What do you think?" but "What does God think?" In religion, the mind of God is our guide. The Bible claims that God has spoken. Some still seek guidance from feelings or human belief-systems, but these things will not hold much weight at the final judgment. "The words I have spoken will judge you in the last day" (John 12:48).

We must never come to Scripture without making personal application. God has spoken to us. Of major import is the question, "Do you get it?" Bible study is never a strictly intellectual exercise whereby we learn more facts. Bible study is properly a learning and applying process. Because God has spoken, we must give the more earnest heed.

What is there in God's Word that you are not doing? Remember that the placing of one command above another is a human invention (Matt. 23). Be not deceived; God is not mocked. We may be more pragmatic in the church than we care to admit. More than once I have heard it said in a Bible class concerning an admonition of Scripture, "I don't think that will work!"

I am interested in what you think. I like public opinion polls. Many times it is impossible to determine why and how people think like they do. But I am most interested in what God thinks. I am concerned that God's thinking may be further from our minds that we realize. This week, read James 3. That text concerns the tongue. Examine your own life and speech. "Are you getting it?"


Go to Articles Index

Return to Home Page

http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/4_1003.htm
Last updated December 2, 2001.