A couple of quick responses to the post fell into the category of what I have labeled, "Victory By Proclamation." That is, the responder essentially declared that the post was invalid because they said so. I almost posted a comment on their responses, pointing this out. Then it occurred to me: There is a stage in life, while growing up, when "Because I said so!" seems a perfectly valid, even ultimate argument. Why would the age matter. If the person is stuck in that puerile (Isn't that a great word? I love the thesaurus!) stage, he is stuck with all of its baggage, as well, and just as disdainful to expostulation.
The worst part was when I had to acknowledge such vacuous assertions exist in the spiritual realm only with deadly consequences. Think about it: How many of the following questions have been answered with what can be reduced down to "Because I said so."
- Why do you say there is no God?
- Why don't you want to receive God's forgiveness right now?
- How could something have come from nothing without a Supernatural Power?
- Why would you choose to reject heaven and risk eternity in hell?
- Why do you think coming to church is enough and surrendering complete authority to God is not necessary?
- Why do you call Him Lord but not obey Him?
In truth, the converse of any one of those questions is too often answered in the same way, i.e. Why do you say there is a God? Answer: Because I said so. In truth, we have precious little, if anything, to do with what is truth. Perhaps we need to pray for people we love, "Lord, may they acknowledge Your Truth… because You said so."
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. –Proverbs 14:12; 16:25 (ESV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. –Proverbs 21:2 (ESV)
