They Didn’t Want it that Way

Scripture References: Exodus 7:23; Acts 6:9-10

John Wilkes, a radical in Britain during the American Revolution, fell from royal favor and went into exile. When he returned, he ran for and won a seat in the House of Commons—not once, but three times. Each time he was elected, the House expelled him on orders from George III. Each time he was expelled, he won reelection. The House finally seated his opponent, stating that the latter “ought” to have been elected.

How prejudice blinds, rendering us incapable of objectivity. It will deny, twist, argue, or talk truth to death, but it will never accept truth. This can happen in our personal relationships, where we see only negative aspects in a person who actually has many redeeming features. It can adversely affect our view of the local church, causing us to see its shortcomings and to miss its contributions. It can happen more ominously in our interpretation of the Bible. We may prefer what it “ought” to mean; however, we will all be judged by what it says, not by what we wish it had said.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.