In cruising down the cyber avenues of the Internet, I've run across 

many sites that tend to offer the opportunity to weigh in on various 

issues. I don't take advantage of every opportunity, but those in 

which I do almost always turn out to be interesting encounters. And 

I have consistently found one thing that is disturbing. When it comes 

to personal beliefs, many people have them and aren't afraid to 

broadcast them, but defending them is a completely different matter.

If you're wondering why, a large part of the answer could be considered 

very simple. It's a reflection of the modern society around us and the 

fact that so many things are obtained with minimal or no effort, 

especially information. With the internet and knowledge abounding as 

never before, many have taken advantage of this opportunity. With this 

almost effortless acquisition of knowledge and subsequent philosophical 

speech, many have not taken the time to really test the soundness of 

their newly found views. And with little effort, others can come along 

with their philosophical wrecking ball and do great damage. Sadly, this 

is true for the Child of God, also. Many are finding that what they 

thought they believed doesn't seem to be able to withstand very much 

scrutiny. So it is easily abandoned for some other easily obtained 

construct only to go through the same process again. 

But this situation can be remedied for the Believer in Christ, for we 

have a personal relationship with Truth. But the child of God must be 

committed for the long term to study and seek God for the Truth they 

need. Understanding Scripture and understanding how to live out that 

Truth does not necessarily happen by attending a class or a series of 

classes. It really is all about an individual having a desire to know 

what God and His Word actually say in spite of what others may tell 

them it says. And you don't start this long journey without 

understanding that some patience will be required on your part as God 

works these Truths into you. Yes, the serious disciple of Christ and 

Bible Student will be changed as God conforms you into the image of 

His Son. And that can be an uncomfortable process at times.

If you find yourself in a position where you need God to show you 

particular Truth or guide you in making a decision of life, we can 

take comfort in the following promise from James. "If any man lacks 

knowledge, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and 

upbraideth not. But let that man ask in faith nothing wavering."  

As you can see, this is not a matter of asking one time then going 

on your merry way. If you're going to ask God for wisdom and expect 

Him to supply that wisdom, you must act in a manner consistent with 

what you have asked for. Which means another verse tells us something 

about the Word. It says that "All Scripture is given by inspiration 

by God and is profitable for ............" This means that we must 

get in the Word because it is designed to provide what we need.

As far as doctrine is concerned, many are unwilling to make a long 

term commitment to personal Bible study. That is why they remain 

"children, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, by the 

sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait 

to deceive;"

We all should get in the Word. We need it!