Would You Rather Be Right or Godly?

I really loved reading this article as I’ve been coming to some of these realizations only recently, and much much is still being fleshed-out in my heart (ha). There’s more that could be added to these points I’m sure..anyway, this was a much needed reminder and good for my soul.

  • What I believe and understand today is very different from what I believed and understood 10 years ago. I slightly cringe when I think of the dogmatic lines in the sand I drew on Escatological issues. Today my thinking is changing and all those things I was immovable on are now up for discussion and even friendly debate. I want to learn the truth.
  • Perhaps the other person has not been a Christian as long as you or I have. They may not have the wealth of teaching or education you or I have either. If they are poorly taught you can’t fault them. Be a gentle, educating voice in their world instead of a blasting horn of knowledge. It really is true, they have to know you care before they will care to know what you have to say.
  • Paul told young Timothy to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). I doubt if we are excluded from this command. He also said, Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (4:16). Can you say you are presently a positive example in speech and conduct? Do you watch your activities and actions carefully? Interesting that these come before watching your doctrine closely…. I think a person can be the best theologian on the planet, but if their life doesn’t reveal what their mouth proclaims it is all worthless.

While I get where the author is going, the title question is really a non-sequitur. You cannot be godly if you are wrong. Likewise, you cannot be right if you are ungodly.

Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?

I’d rather be right AND godly!

[Steve Newman]

I’d rather be right AND godly!

Why, wouldn’t we all ;~)