November 23
Skeptical?
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. ––1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NLT
“I’m skeptical that they are actually going to do what they say.” Those were my words to a friend about an auto shop that had failed to fix something properly on my car.
My friend kind of scolded me, saying that Christians shouldn’t be skeptical—we have to maintain a positive outlook and not look at the glass as half empty.
I walked away from the conversation a little confused. It actually sent me on a search for the definition of skepticism. Here’s what Webster’s has to say:
1. : an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object
2 : the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain
It got me thinking and doing a bit of research. Skepticism is often associated with faith—as in, those skeptical of religion or Christianity—but it can also be a healthy thing. When we question beliefs, movements, or disciplines, it can lead us to explore them more deeply. And when we explore anything more deeply, we gain greater knowledge and insight. And that’s a good thing. It’s the difference between an educated faith and blind faith.
G.K. Chesterton said, “Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”
That’s the crucial point: When we open our mind, and God fills it with divine truth, we’ve landed on something solid. In other words, our skepticism might push us to find a certain truth, but once we discover that truth, we bite down—we hold onto it.
As Paul admonishes us, we are to test everything—question beliefs and doctrines, and allow the Holy Spirit, His Word, and trusted mentors to guide us toward His truth. God’s man isn’t a mindless robot who opens his lid and accepts anything that gets dumped into him. We use discernment—a little bit of healthy skepticism can go a long way.
Lord, help me to use healthy discernment and to question things You want me to question, and accept things You want me to accept. I ask for wisdom from Your Holy Spirit!
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https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism#:~:text=2-,a,or%20criticism%20characteristic%20of%20skeptics