How do we know when we are right? How can we know when someone else is speaking truth? Too often, we determine that passion is a hallmark of truth. If I am passionate about some idea or action, then it must be right. Or we are persuaded by others because of their passion for a subject. Other times, confidence seems to be the hallmark of truth. If a thing is stated with enough confidence, it can easily be believed. Other times, folks seem to think that if they insist on something enough, it must be the truth. But passion, confidence, and persistence don’t always equate to truth.
The apostle Paul once cautioned Timothy that some would deviate from the sincere faith and engage in vain discussions “…without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”[1] We should indeed be passionate about and committed to the truth. However, this passion and commitment should stem from learning the truth of God’s Word, not serve as a substitute for it.
[1] 1 Timothy 1:6-7