Of course, I may be wrong, but.....

   "Don't get impatient, remember how God dealt with you - with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, "Go and make disciples," not "make converts to your opinions." (Oswald Chambers)

   Often I begin a statement with the words "Of course I may be wrong, but....". I know that means that what I am about to say has the possibility of being in error, but what I am really saying is that you had better listen, because this is going to be right. I am saying that I have lived a long time and learned a lot of things that are "right" and am glad to pass them on to you.You had best listen up! I am glad to be able to help you out and steer you on the right course.

   I say this tongue in cheek, but perhaps, as I look down inside, I really do have a high opinion of what I think, what I know and what I remember. My words say that if you followed what I tell you, you would be OK. Pride rears its ugly head a lot of the time.

   When it comes to spiritual matters I can be equally dogmatic, but I find that my statements begin with "this is what I believe", or "this is what I have been taught", or this is what ___(enter the name of any well known Bible scholar) said. The implication is, of course, that it is right. Notice the use of the little word "I".

   The standard Jesus sets up and teaches is the only one that is true and right. Anything that I say or do, must square up with those.

   Another thing that comes to mind regarding how I phrase my responses to a question is "Now this may not be right....but". There is no problem figuring out what I am suggesting with that statement.

   You can take the words of Jesus to the bank, but be very careful with what you do with mine, or even Oswald Chambers' for that matter.

   There is only one standard. That is right.