He spent the morning in a small room filled with other anxious citizens. They had been called for possible grand jury service. As they waited, he was sure his thoughts were similar to the others. How, if selected, could he manage the months of service? Who would teach his classes? What about all his other commitments? Fortunately, at noon a man entered the room and told everyone they were dismissed and could go home. People wasted no time leaving the building
As he was getting into his old truck, it occurred to him that the man who had just dismissed them did not display any symbol of authority. What if he had just been another juror from another room who decided to have some fun and dismiss everyone? That all had instantly believed him because he told them what they wanted to hear. They never asked for any verification of his authority. They just hurried out.
Such it is with most of the things we accept as truth. If someone comes bearing a message that pleases us, we seldom ask for verification. We are quick to believe what we want to believe. Jesus warned us “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matt. 24:11) A man told the prospective jurors they could leave and they left. They never looked back. They never asked, “Who are you?”
In Thessalonians 5:21 we read, “Test everything. Hold onto the good.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on April 9, 2003
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org