Many believe that sincerity is sufficient in religion. Whatever you believe becomes right for you, if you are sincere.  In 1982, the Dothan newspaper reported the death of “Rev. John Lee Holbrook” (a snake handler in West Virginia) who was bitten on the right wrist while handling a poisonous snake. He sincerely believed that he was “showing his faith” but he died. Sincerely believing error does not change it into truth.

Several years ago, Paul Harvey reported that a preacher had been arrested for selling drugs. He justified his action by saying that he was raising money to build a church building. He evidently thought that the end justified the means. The law did not agree!  Paul was accused of teaching “let us do evil that good may come,” but he said that was a slanderous report (Rom. 3:8). The law of God does not agree that a thing is right “if it gets the job done.”

Some excuse their lack of service to God by saying “I just don’t have much ability,” and appeal to the one talent man. A preacher friend of mine told a brother, who used that excuse, “yes, you are like the one talent man. You are not using what you have.” God expects our best.