We must not be casual about ultimate truths but must be in a lifelong, diligent pursuit of truth.
In previous posts we have looked in Scripture at the personal responsibility we each have to love and actively seek truth. We have seen that choosing to believe error is a serious sin with grave consequences. Here is one final installment on that theme.
Blame rests on people who do not value ultimate truth enough to seek it. Instead they occupy themselves with the cares, pursuits, pleasures, and entertainment of this world. They do not make it a priority to study the Bible on their own and with the church to know it well.
Their indifference is a choice. Our choices show what we value, and we are morally responsible for what we value. If we are not interested in the truth God has graciously given in Scripture, if we are unwilling to learn from mature teachers, we are responsible for the consequences.
God has given his truth and put the ball in our court; now we are responsible to make every effort—every effort—to learn it. A good person treasures truth. If we treasure other priorities, we are not innocent victims if deceived.
A man who boards an airplane to fly over the ocean and chooses to watch a movie while the attendant explains what to do during an emergency landing, and who ignores the emergency instructions in the seat pocket in front of him, has no one to blame but himself if the plane ditches into the water and he drowns while those who paid attention to instructions lived. Solomon would probably say, he was a fool.
Solomon
Speaking of Solomon, he deserves the final word:
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
“Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.”
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. (Pro. 1:20–33)
We are morally responsible to love God’s truth enough to pursue it diligently.
That brings us to a crucial question. How do we recognize false teaching? How does God equip even the youngest believer to distinguish truth from error?
Let’s pick up that vital subject next week.