Remedy For Prejudice — Honesty
In a survey of the New Testament, we find that the first four chapters of John, tell us of the works of Jesus in the first year of His ministry. In the first chapter, verses 43-51, we are introduced to two men: Nathanael and Philip. They are among the first of Jesus' disciples. A study of these men, as they are portrayed in these verses, I believe, shall provide us with a valuable lesson. A lesson that can assist us in facing the problems of our life, and in bringing others to Christ.
The setting: John has baptized Jesus after identifying Him as "The lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world." Upon hearing him, two of his "disciples", followed Jesus. They came and "abode with Him." One of them, Andrew, found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. This was Philip's role, too: "He findeth Nathanael, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph,"
This was and still is the attitude of all those who really find Jesus. They are so impressed with Him, so overjoyed with what He has to offer, they too, want to share with others their "discovery." Basically, men are the same now as they were then. Good men, when they find something of value, desire to share with others. Also, each is skeptical when asked to accept something new, even thou it is something he needs, he is afraid of being "taken." Each should be "sold" before he buys; have sufficient evidence before he accepts, but when evidence is presented, it should be considered, not rejected without due appraisal. We suggest the following for your consideration:
1. Nathanael, as most men are, was prejudiced. He was told by Philip, "We have found him, of whom Moses,... did write." His name is "Jesus", he lives in "Nazareth", he is the "son of Joseph." God had spoken by Moses, and after him by most of the prophets of one that was to "Come." All of Israel was looking for him, but some had their own ideas as to what he should be, do, and say. Nathanael asked, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Evidently, Nazareth, to this man wasn't the place from which this great personage would come. It was, evidently, small and insignificant to him. Others, likewise, have made the same mistake. Some rejected the idea that He could be the one, because he came from "Galilee." (John 7:40-44) Others decided against Him being the right one because His parents were not ideal. (Mk. 6:3; Matt. 13:54-58)
Should we think that we are so far above these men? Does our action demonstrate that we are superior to them? I think not. I suggest that all are prejudiced to some extent, with reference to something! Are you ready to deny it? Have we not all at times "made up our minds" without considering the evidence? That is "Prejudice." Some one has said, "Prejudice is a time saver. It allows one to reach a conclusion without the facts." It also protects us from the truth! Many times what one says is not considered, because of the place he is "From." His association; his background; the people he "runs with", close the minds of some, to what he says. May we consider and look closely at self, become better acquainted. May we have a better understanding of mankind.
2. Philip, used wisdom in meeting prejudice. Philip did not call him bad names, ridicule him, nor argue with him. Instead, he said, "Come and see." One should realize that he ought to consider the facts before he reaches a conclusion. Perhaps, this impression was made on the mind of Nathanael. At least, this approach was effective in this case. As we deal with people, seeking to bring them to Christ, perhaps, this should be kept in the forefront. We should meet prejudice as Philip did. Remember the Samaritan woman (John 4:29), who likewise said, "Come and see." May we also, "practice what we preach" by always considering the evidence presented to us by others, before we "make up our minds." There is, I suggest a danger in this area — of having our minds made up, and failing completely to consider evidence presented to us by those outside Christ. While if we would consider, it would be an easy matter to show that it does not prove their case, then they would examine the evidence we present for the true way, and be receptive to the truth. Philip's concern is reflected in his reply to this man; our actions likewise shall reflect our concern or the lack of it for our fellow man.
3. Honesty caused Nathanael to accept the truth on investigating. Jesus was willing to receive him, and told him something of his character: that he was an Israelite indeed "in whom is no guile." This compliment caused him to reply, "Whence knowest thou me?" To which Jesus responded with proof that he had super knowledge. Nathanael could see that He was as Philip said, and confessed: "Thou art the Son of God...the king of Israel." This confession brought a promise of future blessings. Thus we see, that his honesty overcame his prejudice. We suggest that this is the only remedy for it. So it is with all. One may be honest and ignorant concerning some of God's truth. But when he is faced with the truth, he ceases to be ignorant or honest, one of the other!
4. Many are the prejudices. There are many things about which men are prejudiced — having reached a conclusion without proper evidence. They may be honest and ignorant about them, but when presented with the truth, they have a choice! Their actions reflect the power of their honesty and also that of their prejudice. Which one overcomes?
One thing about which many are prejudiced, and something that is very harmful to the salvation of the souls of men is, that "the Bible cannot be understood alike," This conclusion is invalid; has no scriptural evidence whatsoever. The Bible was given that "when" men "read" they "may understand." (Eph.3:3-4). Study is necessary, (II Tim. 2:15) and some things are "hard to be understood", (II Pet.3:16) but that isn't to say that they "cannot" be understood, but on the contrary! And common sense tells us that nothing can be understood "differently." It may be misunderstood differently, but surely not understood!
The ideas that man cannot understand the scriptures, and that they can be "understood differently," are responsible for many being ignorant of the Bible teachings, Why is one going to study, if he is convinced that he cannot understand anyway? If he can understand a matter one way while someone else understands it another, why study?' These ideas originated with Satan, the enemy of mankind; they are propagated by his deceitful workers. When man is presented with the claim of the Bible, that it can be understood, then he looks around and sees those who have studied and do understand, then his attitude will change. He'll give up his idea, and begin to study his Bible, or he'll allow his prejudice to rule!
Many have concluded that man is "Saved by faith without obedience." This, too, is without any scriptural evidence whatsoever. That one is saved by "Faith", the Bible provides abundance of evidence, but in fact denies plainly that a man is saved "by faith only" by saying that he is "Not." (Jas. 2:24) The faith that will not obey the commandments of the Lord, is as "dead" as a body without the spirit. (Jas, 2:14-26) A person may be honest and ignorant on the matter, but when faced with the truth that one is saved by "faith" because he has been "baptized into Christ;" (Gal. 3:26-27) also, that baptism is a commandment (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16), then he must give up his prejudice--conclusion reached without evidence---allow his honesty to overcome it, or allow his prejudice to rule! His acts reflect his character.
This principle can be applied in the many areas of study, and on the many Bible subjects. It should be applied by each and every one of us.
One last point I wish to make: This principle is recognized, I am afraid, by members of the church, when dealing with "Outsiders." But when it comes to the teachings concerning the work of the church, worship, service, righteous living, etc., those things that affect the members of the "body of Christ", then many are inclined to overlook this principle.
Many, when asked about the church supporting a "Benevolent Institution," reflect that their minds are made up without evidence, and will not listen to anything to the contrary. They reason (?) thus: the church is to help the needy, they cite James 1:27 as proof. Then immediately say, "The Lord hasn't said how to do it, thus the Institution is a way." When they are presented with the idea that James is speaking to individuals and not churches, they will say--"What is the church: Is it not the members?" Then add, most of the time, "What the individual does, the church does," All this may sound reasonable ho one who has done but little thinking on the matter. But, I feel sure, that after one reflects on the subject, the honest mind can and will see that this is not the truth. First, if James was speaking to churches, he would be saying for the churches to "Visit the fatherless and widows." Not anything here close to building and maintaining an "Institution." But it is clear that James is speaking to the individual, when he shows that the one to do the visiting is also to "Keep himself unspotted from the world. " When one reads Paul's instructions to Timothy (I Tim, 5:16), he must be convinced that there is a difference in the "church" doing something, and the Christian. How one, after reading this, can continue to contend that "What the individual does, the church does," at the same time claim to believe the scripture, be honest, and intelligent, too, I do not know. Many have been ignorant on this matter, but their honesty, when faced with the truth caused them to accept it. The sad fact is that when many have come face to face with the facts, they have allowed their prejudice to rule instead of yielding. They continue to stand at variance with the teaching of God, they oppose the people of God, and almost invariably begin to misrepresent them. This was the way people did in the days of Jesus. While Nathanael's prejudice was overcome by honesty, many others in his generation allowed their prejudice to overcome their honesty. They set themselves against God's teaching and His people. There is coming a day when both Prejudice and Honesty will be rewarded. Which reward will you receive?
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