"I Hope I'm Wrong"

When the decision was made to remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, everyone picked a side. It was very disheartening to me to find that among my coworkers, I was on a side all by myself. I discussed with them the reasons I thought it was wrong. I tried to convince them to see things from my side. When I made no progress, I began to question what I believed about this situation. Just because I believe something to be true or right, does not make it truth.

(Hover Mouse over reference to read the verse.)

I first had to decide why I was so determined to convince them that it was wrong to remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Why was it so frustrating when they didn't agree with my arguments? Was I standing up for something right or did I just want to be right? I decided to do a word search in the Bible on "Right" - that is to say I looked up all the verses that used the word "right". (I believe the Bible is the infallible word of God. Therefore, if I am looking for truth, I know I can find it there. Psalm 33:4)

My search led me to a number of verses relating to the protection of the orphan, widow, hungry - those who cannot protect themselves.

These verses, among others, confirmed to me that I was standing up for what is right. The Bible tells me that it is right to stand up for those who can't defend themselves. It may have been different in this case if:

• Terri's wishes had been in writing
• Doctors could agree that she was in fact brain dead
• There was no one who was willing to care for her and pay her medical bills
• It was a matter of just turning off a machine and letting the natural process of death happen rather than starving her to death

No, I don't think it was about being right for me. I don't think it was even about changing their mind about Terri Schiavo, because what could they do anyway? They did not have the power to put her feeding tube back. I think it was the "woe" that is mentioned in Isaiah 10:1-4. I think most of us just go through life thinking that what we believe is truth. After all, why else would we believe it? We want everyone to believe like we believe or at least to approve of our belief system on some level. The fact remains...it still may not be truth. If it is not true, then there are consequences that will come no matter how faithful we are to our belief. For example: I believe that it will not rain today, so I leave my umbrella at home. No matter how sure I am when I leave the house that it is not going to rain, if it does rain, I'm still going to get wet. Consider these verses:

So who is right? How do we know if what we believe is truth? I don't think we can set up some mathematical or scientific formula to determine what is truth. If we could, then where would faith come in? But I do think we have to have a central focal point as a foundation of Truth and go from there. I personally have chosen God. Psalm 33:4

Initially, I made this decision on faith. After believing though, I began to see. The things in the Bible made sense to me where they didn't before. I found them to be true.

There is a peace, joy and freedom that comes from trusting Him that cannot be seen or understood without believing. This is why it is so hard for someone who does believe to convince someone who doesn't believe. They want to see first. But according to the Bible, without this faith there is no way for man to reach God. God is perfect and cannot be in the presence of imperfection (sin). Since He loves us, and wants to be in relationship with us, He sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins. His own perfect innocent blood that was shed can wash us clean to perfection if we ask His forgiveness.

So here's my dilemma...the reason for my frustration... According to the Bible, the consequences of not believing in salvation through Jesus results in separation from God after this life is over. That is what I believe. Just because I believe it, does that make it truth? No. But if I am right, many will be lost in a devil's hell forever separated from God.

If I am wrong, then what is lost? Believing and following the word of God gives hope, comfort, peace, joy, strength, security and the list goes on. If I am right, for those who don't believe, all is lost. For the sake of those who don't believe...I hope I am wrong!!