Mike’s Musings …
What Do You Think of This Writing?
Those of us who enjoy writing often receive requests to review the efforts of others. For whatever reason, they seek our opinions on their work and even the critique. We who offer these reviews are not experts, per se, but experience, knowledge, and the benefit of “fresh eyes” are valuable resources when offering persuasive information. While the review increases the reviewer’s study and contemplation of a subject, there are times when complete disagreement results. Was the review a waste of time in such circumstances, or an opportunity to correct errant thoughts?
Further, every article written by reviewers is subject to the same standard of critique as others demand. Just because we write it doesn’t make it infallible! Only the holy men of God who scribed what the Spirit guided their quills to record are the infallible writers of truth! (2 Peter 1:21; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:1-4; Acts 4:20; et al). All other writings are commentary and require close examination in the light of God’s Word for verification.
When one asks, “What do you think of this writing,” be it an article or a book, one is asking for an opinion. The reviewer can complement its content or argue against it, but it remains the convictions of its author. An honest author will accept the critique and examine all arguments for or against his prose by using the highest authority on the subject as his ultimate standard. In the case of religious matters, the Bible is the ultimate authority!
Therefore, what I or others may think of any writing other than God’s word is immaterial. It might be helpful, but by no means should the writings of uninspired writers influence my understanding of God’s word! The Bible stands as its best commentary and best dictionary. From it and it alone we can fulfill the inspired commandment of “Prove all things; hold that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) The reason is simple. Peter said, “According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3) Nothing uninspired man may write will overrule God’s word!
I muse on every article I write: Is it beneficial to the souls who read it? Prayerfully, the articles from my hand persuade the reader to examine God’s word with increased diligence (Hebrews 11:6). If not, then their time and mine are wasted. What we think of man’s writings matters very little; what we think of God’s word inevitably determines our eternity!
