WHY THERE ARE DISAGREEMENTS AMONG THOSE WHO VENERATE THE BIBLE

 

 

In my class, I mentioned that God supplies us with wisdom and understanding, and I cited:

 

·       If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

 

A sister understandably asked:

 

·       I'm puzzled as to why is it that so many sincere God-fearing Christians arrive at different conclusions with different issues despite praying to God for wisdom?

 

Perplexity has also been the lament of many of God’s children:

 

·       We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair…(2 Corinthians 4:8)

 

Other verses warn us that we will inevitably lack a clear understanding, at least until our Lord returns for us:

 

·       For we know in part and we prophesy in part…For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12)

 

And yet, seekers are promised wisdom:

 

·       yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (Proverbs 2:3-7)

 

However, there are several things to notice here about the acquisition of wisdom:

 

·       It comes from God.

·       We must pursue wisdom as more precious than anything else.

·       It must be pursued as we live in integrity and uprightness.

 

To pursue wisdom is to pursue God, who will only disclose Himself to those who regard His thoughts as precious jewels, as more valuable than anything else.

 

We should be able to understand this. We too do not want to cast our pearls before swine, who will reject them and even use them against us (Matthew 7:6). Instead, we prefer to disclose our heart and mind to those who love us and care deeply about what we share. Therefore, I wonder whether God’s thought and wisdom are on the top of our wish list.

 

Besides, if we sin and do not sincerely confess it, we are unforgiven and uncleansed (1 John 1:9). As a result, our mind is fighting against itself, trying to deny or justify our sin. In this condition, our connection with God is disrupted, and wisdom is no longer possible. Instead, virtue and wisdom are inseparable:

 

·       Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (James 3:13-16)

 

When God does not forgive us, our minds are not at rest and are unable to clearly perceive. We become like a turbulent lake unable to reflect the images of the trees on the opposite bank.

 

This takes us back to James 1. After James assure us that God liberally supplies wisdom, he warns that we must be sold-out for the Lord rather than double-minded, having one mind for the Lord, when it is convenient, and the other for the pleasures of this sinful world.

 

We disagree for many reasons. Sometimes, it is due to immaturity. At other times, it is due to other factors, like our individual gifting. My wife is quite hospitable; I am not. She has a gift for giving, while giving does not occur naturally to me. However, I have a gift for teaching and understanding the Scriptures. I cannot take credit for this. Instead, all the credit goes to our Lord, the Source of all good things (James 1:17)

 

Nevertheless, our wisdom is limited. Therefore, we need to distinguish between what Scripture clearly teaches from what remains in the shadows of understanding, where there will be many areas of disagreement. This requires the wise to say, “I don’t know.”

 

Paul had warned us away from such unfruitful debates:

·       The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1:5–7)

 

There are uncertain and peripheral issues, where even sincere wisdom seekers will disagree. However, the Scriptures also informs us that the Word of God is all we need to live for our Savior:

 

·       All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

 

The wisdom of the Bible is unlocked slowly, but her blessings are worth the wait:

 

·       Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. (Proverbs 3:13–18)