No, It Doesn’t

During a recent discussion, “It goes without saying,” was a response I really didn’t like.  No, it doesn’t go without saying.

In our world today we cannot make assumptions that any two people in a discussion are in agreement on vital points. That’s very true as we decide the direction our county is to move in the next four years, but it’s even more important when it comes to understanding what the Bible has in store for our lives now and into eternity.

I honestly cannot remember the exact topic, and it wouldn’t make a difference if I could – the fact is that we need to clarify our statements made on our beliefs, and we need to be able to cite the source of those beliefs.
If I do a link or a copy/paste that I find interesting, educational or amusing, I need to be certain it has a valid, stable foundation or I’m building thoughts on sand.

Paul wanted believers to support each other, understand each other:

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2 KJV)

He includes in a later verse our very best example:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5 KJV)

Unfortunately, many take this verse, look for something in the four gospels that Jesus did that will justify what they want to do and consider that they are likeminded. Equally unfortunately, they overlook the things that Jesus did daily:

Spending time in prayer with His father;
Spending time with the sick;
Spending time discussing scriptures;
Spending time explaining what He believed and why.

How much time do we spend each day on any one of those things? Jesus also set people straight:

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13 KJV)

These ‘woes’ go on for several verses, stating openly what the Pharisees were doing and not doing – how many of Christ’s complaints fit our lives? Are we not very similar to their failings? Could Jesus also say to us:

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (Matthew 23:38 KJV)

If we truly believe “It goes without saying,” then why did Christ have to say all He did? Are we saying the same things He did? Or, as Eve, do we add a word or two, a thought here or there? That’s why I believe strongly in studying scripture, using scripture as the foundation of what I believe. Not what someone else says – although they may set a direction for me to study and I may come to agree with them. It is not for me to use any other writing as the foundation of my beliefs. Why?

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11 KJV)