Below are three phrases, more or less familiar. Before you go any further, read them out loud. Really, read them out loud or you will miss much of the effectiveness of the exercise:
Did you read them out loud? Good. Now, unless you are a very unusual person (or quite suspicious) you read them all wrong. Did you notice that two of them have two “the’s” and the other has two “a’s”?
“What is the point?” you ask. Well, this little test illustrates the peril of preconceived ideas. You read the phrases as you did because you thought you knew what they said before you read them. This may answer one of those nagging questions that people ask. Ever wonder how it is that two people can read the same passage of Scripture and come up with two different meanings? There may be many reasons for this, but one of the most common factors is that one or both individuals had his or her mind made up about what the passage said before they ever read it.
One of the most sobering thoughts in this regard is brought to light in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Here we read that those who choose not to be truth seekers will receive a strong delusion to believe and will be lost. In reality, we all must guard against approaching the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, looking for proof-texts rather than the heart of God.
May God help us all to be genuine truth seekers in our studies of the the Scriptures. May we read with fresh eyes and open hearts, especially with respect to what we think the text says. May we always be sure to ask ourselves, “Am I really understanding what this passage is saying? Or, is this simply what I have always thought it was saying?”
God bless,
-bill
![64200: Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/6/64200t.gif "64200:
Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews")
This perspective actually changed the way I preached … allowing the text to speak afresh to us rather than assuming we already know what a given text says and means. It made a noticeable difference in our church.
Point well taken and even when we have been warned.
Thanks for your thoughts on this subject. The question I would have is, how do we wipe the slate and come to the text with an open mind each time?