Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places

The “Up!” Devo for September 8

If we look for answers in incorrect places, we’ll get answers that are incomplete.

For example, sitting on my desk are three textbooks. One is for the Greek language, one is for philosophy, and one is for psychology. If I try to learn about psychology from my Greek textbook, I’m not going to get very far. Or if I try to learn Greek by opening my philosophy textbook, I’m going to hit another dead end.

The reason I say this is because, as God’s people, we need to acknowledge that God has given us wisdom to help us navigate the various pathways, twists and turns of life: the Bible.

However, it’s easy to get sucked into various cultural, political or theological extremes which are less than helpful when it comes to living with humble and thoughtful integrity as followers of Jesus.

For example, there are websites on the cultural, political or theological “left” which present partial truths as whole truths and which vilify everyone who doesn’t share their views.

Similarly, there are websites on the cultural, political or theological “right” which present partial truths as whole truths and which vilify everyone who doesn’t share their views.

Add to the mix talk shows, bloggers and vloggers, latest-issue activists, and news outlets, and the “textbooks” at our fingertips start to multiply as we try to figure out who to believe and what to do.

Unfortunately, because of our laziness and sin, we’re easily swayed and start to think that these sources are more trustworthy than even the Bible itself.

Today we are deluged with information, much of which is oversimplified, polarizing and incomplete.

That’s why we need to remember Jesus’ words in Mark 13:31: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” His words of love, holiness and truth will never pass away.

Never. Pass. Away.

If we look for answers in incorrect places, we’ll get answers that are incomplete.

As God’s people, we humbly listen, use our brains, and seek FIRST the trustworthy and authoritative words of Jesus.

By Matthew Ruttan 

–My latest book is called “Turbulence: Devotionals to steady you through the storms of life.” Click here to learn more.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.