If Everyone is Right, What is Left?

There are many scriptures that talk about everyone being right in their own eyes, for instance Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Another example is Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Again, in Deuteronomy 12:2; “You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes.”

When man has only himself as the authority for all truth, truth is based on what people feel, think and prefer. Is there no basis for the authority of truth? If Everyone is right and they disagree on what is the truth, then they can just make up any truth that fits their fancy. Then it becomes very easy to live an illusion or lie or whatever makes us feel good about ourselves or the world. However, is this a good way to live? What will be the outcome and consequences?

Christians believe that there are basically three foundations for truth: they are the Word of God in the Bible, the illumination of the Holy Spirit and reason. However, there are many people in the world that reject this authority and make themselves their own god.

Of course it is critically important to interpret the scriptures correctly. There are rules of principles for interpretation that involve interpreting God’s word in context of the writing. What did it say to the people in the times it was written and what are the timeless principles or truth to be applied today? Also, what is the context of what is said immediately before and the overall theme of the writing like for instance the book of Romans. Context also involves how the word is used, as a word can different meaning in different contexts. What kind of literature is it. For instance, speaking about God the Psalmist says, “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4) This is poetic literature and it is not saying that God is some kind of bird. For further assistance on the principles of interpretation one could read, Protestant Biblical Interpretation, by Bernard Ramm.

Christians can have differences on interpretations. As the saying goes, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity and in all things charity.” We should be able to discuss even deep theological matters with grace and love allowing for differences in non-essentials. This must be done with great respect as often practised by good grace filled scholars. Otherwise, if we can’t talk about important doctrinal issues, doctrine doesn’t become important and we have a tendency to not think for ourselves. If there is so few things we can talk about because of differences then Christians will in general disregard doctrine. As the Bible states, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers” (2 Timothy 4:3). As well when we focus on who is right not on what is right, we move out of the way of grace. However, when we are missing each other in the dark or attacking one another instead of sticking with the issue, we may have to agree to disagree. Let us to stay away from the world’s way by belittling those who disagree with us.

What are the foundational essentials. They are 1. The Absolute Authority and reliability of God’s word. (I like the term inerrancy which states the Biblical text is without error in everything it talks about in context, in the original manuscripts 2. The Deity of Jesus Christ 3. The Virgin Birth 4. The Substitutionary atonement 5. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 6. The Trinity 7. The Physical resurrection and personal bodily return of Christ to the earth to welcome some to heaven and send the others to hell.

What is left in everyone is right in their own eyes. Chaos and a lot of worship of self. It leads to the Narcissistic society as the classic book by Christopher Lasch states in his book, The Culture of Narcissism. This can also infect the Christian culture when we are not students of God’s word and Spirit. We also need to be able to explain the gospel to others and live it out in our lives. Let us not neglect, so great a salvation and let us truly let “iron sharpen iron.” To be a disciple means to be a learner. We can learn from one another, especially if we are good students of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and reason. We are in the school of learning from and with God-- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in doctrine, in the Spirit, in prayer and in common sense.

After all God is right. He is righteous and always true to His holy, just and loving character. We can trust Him. His is right and let us not be left out.