This Russian proverb was used by President Ronald Regan when discussing nuclear disarmament talks during the Cold War. Neither side really trusted the other. They needed to verify because it was just too important to leave to trust alone!
That’s something like your salvation and living for JESUS, except the consequences of failure are worse than you can imagine! With all the messages people are getting, they can’t all be right, and they’re not! Paul said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12 KJV) so after hearing the WORD from a preacher, you must verify what he said is true! Don’t leave your salvation in the hands of someone else.
Even double-check what you think against the WORD. JESUS (WORD) wants you to abide (live) in Him. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing… If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:4-5,7 KJV). Spending time in the WORD is spending time with GOD, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 KJV) and you will begin to recognize truth and error.
You can trust me but verify it in the WORD!
Wayne Lance – Good News to Share!