“Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of a position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any department of God’s cause.” 1st Selected Messages page 411 (1890)
From the moment I first encountered these words, I decided to adopt them as a guiding principle, implemented as follows. (This process has proved useful in both spiritual and secular contexts.) Here goes.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide my thinking, give discernment, and keep my pride of opinion in check throughout the evaluation process.
Purposefully choose to suspend all criticism (temporarily), until after I verify that I clearly understand what is being presented. Then begin to seek satisfying answers to the following questions.
On what basis can I evaluate the truthfulness of this new model? 3a) Is the model consistent with Biblical principles, as I currently understand them? 3b) What guidance does EGW offer that seems applicable? 3c) Is the new model consistent with true science (the principles that God’s creation reveals)? 3d) Is it consistent with reality, as I experience it?
Do all the pieces presented fit together as a coherent whole, or can I detect inherent inconsistencies?
Does this new model explain anything that didn’t quite fit into my old model (does it answer any of my persistent recurring questions)?
If this new model is true, what are the implications, and how far reaching are they?
Might this even have life-and-death implications, spiritual or temporal?
What is the worst imaginable thing that can happen . . . 8a) if I accept this new model as true, but it turns out to be false, or . . . 8b) if I reject this new model as false, but it turns out to be true?
In light of any serious risks associated with accepting/rejecting the new model, would it be prudent to live as if it is true (or false), while I continue to search for and evaluate more evidence?
Who else stands to gain by my decision, and what is at stake for them?
Is any attempt being made to pressure me to accept the new model? Methods reveal much! The use of force, coercion, or bribes in any form would indicate a major problem with the model. Why? 11a) “Compelling power is only found under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order . . . God’s government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.” Desire of Ages page 759 and . . . 11b) “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” (says the Lord). Zechariah 4:6 The Holy Spirit speaks truth in love, then leaves us free to think and decide for ourselves.
Throughout this process, consult with trusted Bible-believing people who have expertise in relevant areas, especially those areas where I am inadequately informed. Sobering counsel is also found in Testimonies Volume 2, page 129 (bottom), to 131. Here is just a portion of it. “They have not an experience for themselves. They have not been in the habit of prayerfully considering for themselves, with unprejudiced, unbiased judgment, questions and subjects that are new and that are ever liable to arise. They wait to see what others will think. If these dissent, that is all that is needed to convince them that the subject under consideration is of no account whatever . . . Unless these become sensible of their wavering character and correct it, they will all fail of everlasting life. They will be unable to cope with the perils of the last days.” (Please read this entire passage.) Could our willingness to impartially examine evidence even have eternal consequences?
Summary
In closing, I recommend reading the entire last chapter in 1 st Selected Messages, pages 406 to 416, as well as Testimonies Volume 4, page 239 (Brother G on pride of opinion). His pride of opinion contributed to his soul being in great danger? In light of all this, I will continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide my thinking, give discernment, and keep my pride of opinion in check as I seek to impartially examine new evidence and grow in my understanding of the truth about our trustworthy God.
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