Many have said, “I wish I knew then what I know now…” Now think about this… at one time…
People KNEW the earth was flat…
They KNEW the earth was the center of the universe…
In 1899 it was said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented!” (Wow!)
But Columbus is attributed as one of the first to prove the earth wasn’t flat. Copernicus proved the earth was not the center of the universe. We certainly know the third statement was ignorant. I first contemplated this concept after Agent K in Men In Black made the first two suggestions above.
Question: What do you KNOW today that one day… possibly tomorrow… will NOT be true? I’m sure you wouldn’t want someone to make fun of your lack of knowledge. Then, you have probably modified your beliefs about doctrine and theology from when you first became a Christian. I don’t think you would want someone to embarrass you on that point. I know of one person who believed non-whites would not go to heaven because of “The Curse of Ham” because their preacher preached it (The preacher was wrong!). One day my grandchildren may look back on what I KNOW TO BE TRUE NOW that they understand differently. I hope they’re gracious with me.
Why bring this up? Because as Christians we need to be less dogmatic and more gracious. We need to be more merciful… patient… and understanding with others. Consider the following the next time you find yourself wanting to correct someone. Follow the Scripture when a person KNOWS something is true that you have a different view of. Thus God’s Word from Romans 14:1 and following…
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.