Have you ever been told, “Do it because I said so”? Have you felt as though you could not question the instruction or judgment of your manager or director? What principles do you live by? Are you willing to stand on those principles regardless of the consequences?
Many of us have been told by parents to do what we are told simply because our parent told us to do it. For most of us, our parents had our best interest at heart and perhaps didn’t have time to explain the why behind their instruction. Yet, that is not always the case.
There will be times when obeying instruction or orders immediately and without question is essential. This is especially true when working in dangerous environments. It is also true for children when told not to touch the hot stove. But the line can become blurry when we work in office settings. Discerning the urgency of completing documents can be challenging. Understanding what the section manager is trying to achieve without seeing the full picture can be a challenge, if not impossible.
The Apostle Paul gives instruction to the church in Thessalonica that applies to us today. We are not to despise those who are preaching God’s Word. The term prophet is interpreted to be a preacher or pastor. At the same time, we are to test their message. How do we do that? We read God’s Word ourselves. We study it. If we have questions about what the pastor stated, ask questions, have a conversation, but don’t walk away upset or angry or confused. If there is not an immediate opportunity to discuss our questions, write them down to discuss later.
He also states we are to hold on to what is good. How do we know what is good? We study the Scriptures. We read God’s instruction, especially Jesus’ words. Unlike those in the first century, all of us can possess a copy of God’s Word. We can study. Most churches offer Sunday School and Bible studies. Participate in them and grow in your knowledge of what is good according to God and ask the questions you have about interpretation.
I pray we all spend time readings God’s Word. I pray we pay special attention to Jesus’ words. I pray each one of us seek understanding of what is good and ask our questions of interpretation of Scripture. Read God’s Word. Study God’s Word. Participate in Sunday School. Participate in Bible studies. Ask questions. Seek understanding.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
Marty Pressey 