Latest / Northman Coaching / Are You Seeking Truth—or Just Agreement? Acts 17:11
Transcript
- Gary: If you never examine what you believe, how do you know you're following truth instead of someone else's confidence? Good morning. I'm Gary Hults from North Man Coaching, and today's devotional comes from Acts chapter 17, verse 11. Paul and Silas arrive in Berea and teach in the synagogue. The people receive the message eagerly, and they examine the scriptures every day to see whether what Paul says is true or not. Think about that. They are listening to an apostle and they still check his teachings against Scripture. They're willing to learn, they're also willing to examine. How often do we practice both? Sometimes we accept something because the person saying it sounds certain, because we like them, or because their message supports what we already wanted to believe. Other times, we dismiss something before considering it because it challenges us. Ask yourself, am I looking for truth or am I looking for someone to agree with me? That question reaches beyond what you hear at church. When someone tells you That you hurt them? Do you consider their words or immediately build your defense? When your child questions your behavior, do you listen or hide behind because I am the parent? When someone challenges your interpretation of scripture, can you open your Bible with humility? Being challenged can feel uncomfortable. That discomfort deserves examination too. It doesn't automatically mean that the other person is wrong. The Barons give us a practice that we can follow. Listen carefully, examine what you hear, and let scripture guide your judgment. The way you look on the outside is a direct reflection of what is happening on the inside. Pay attention to how you respond when someone questions you. Do your actions reveal curiosity and humility? Or does every disagreement become a fight you have to win? Today, choose one belief that you've repeated without examining. Read the passage in context, ask an honest question, be willing to learn something that requires you to change. You can hold a conviction firmly and still examine it honestly. Now, let's pray. Father, Give us a hunger for truth and for humility to receive it. Help us examine what we hear, recognize our own blind spots, and let your word shape us, shape our beliefs, shape our actions. In Jesus' name, amen. If this challenges you, hit like, share it with someone who needs it, and subscribe for more daily devotionals. Just do all of the things you're supposed to do. But most of all, put this message into practice. And if you are ready to grow alongside men who will challenge you to live the values that you claim, then join the Northman Brotherhood at Northman Coaching dot com. we grow brick by brick, shoulder to shoulder. I will see you guys next time.