There is something interesting about the business in which I work. It is very easy to know who know what they are talking about and who do not. This knowledge is independent of their strategy, technology used, and management style. The evaluation centers on how well the individual understands the content of the subject, is able to apply it in real life, and lives in the real world.
The “pretenders” are full of hype, rhetoric, and bravado. They can talk for hours about their exploits. They wax on about how the limited number of failures only came to be because of limitations of those who work for them. The individuals involved in leadership never make mistakes, always communicate clearly, and are never involved in the details.
Frequently I find myself automatically categorizing those with confidence as pretenders before they have a chance to prove their worth, knowledge, and potential role in my life. The bias, over time, has expanded to include almost everyone who has demonstrated their abilities to me personally or come with such a body of evidence that their abilities and contributions are beyond question. This doesn’t end with people! The skepticism goes right up and to God! Who is this Jesus about whom Christians keep talking? Is this Christ really engaged? Does He know anything about which he is talking? Is He involved in the pain and suffering that is part of your day and mine?
I don’t see these questions as irrelevant or sacrilegious. Unless we understand the answers the potential Source of happiness, peace, and understanding will always be suspect. The first part of the answer is what is testified of Him in the Word. John writes as he is told.
“God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says…” (Revelation 3.13)
The next part comes in experientially testing, validating, and knowing that what He says about himself, God, is authentic and applicable to life today. You are one of the judges. You have a right, obligation, and opportunity to know the truth. Seize it with everything!
