Comedian Henny Youngman once quipped: “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” I confess. I chuckled out loud the first time I read it. Yet such a witty remark, though said in jest, expresses a profound insight into a very common human tendency when confronted about some questionable behavior. Instead of considering the validity of the challenge to our behavior, we respond by opting to ignore or get rid of the challenge.
Acts 7 provides a biblical example of this tendency. In his defense before the Sanhedrin, Stephen rebukes them for acting just like their ancestors, who resisted the grace of God which the Holy Spirit extended through Moses and the prophets (vv. 39, 51-53). “When the member of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (v. 54). And when Stephen testifies to the truth of Jesus as Living Lord (vv. 55-56), they “covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him” (v. 57). They covered their ears! When confronted with the evils of their ways, they chose to silence the source of the rebuke. This is so much like Youngman’s giving up reading.
Whether or not we submit to rebuke and correction is a choice we have to make. Scripture itself declares that rebuke and correction are two of its major functions. One would do well to pay attention, not just to biblical words of encouragement and instruction, but also to words of reproof and correction. When we read biblical passages that confront us about something that is not right in our life, we ought not to “give up reading” such passages to avoid the rebuke. Instead, we need to hear Scripture’s appeal: “My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects” (Hebrews 12.5–6 The Message).
Discipline and correction are very much a part of God’s grace. The grace of God involves his working to make right what is wrong in the world and in our lives. Such correction may be received through the reading of Scripture, or through a sermon, or through the word of a friend. The purpose is always to offer a way back to a right relationship with God. So, “If you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4.7), and “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain” (2 Corinthians 6.1 HCSB). Instead, let the gracious work of God have its full effect in you as you submit to his leadership.
Disregard Youngman’s comedic example. Don’t give up “reading.” Instead, give up the “evils” that your reading exposes and denounces. Heed the Word.
—Keith Jainga