Accurate Account Should Be a Thorough Account

I find it interesting that in our society we consider information the be all and end all in (“I got it from the internet, therefor it must be true”). The next thing you know, we are spreading the information as if we are the experts on the subject.

“¹Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, ²just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, ³it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴that you may have certainty concerning the thing you have been taught.” – Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)

Luke was a physician, and as such, was educated and understood the need to be accurate and thorough. He states his case for the information’s accuracy and thoroughness here in opening of his letter to Theophilus. Look closely at Luke’s words, “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word”, “having followed all things closely for some time past”, and “orderly account”.

Being accurate is not just reporting what you see, but also digging to find more context to what you see. The only way to find the context is to investigate, witness, and speak to others that have seen or took part in what it was you saw or were brought aware. There is also the element of time, where you have compiled information over a period of time as opposed to reading today and reporting an hour later. And finally there must be some order to what and how you present the information, just spouting it off in a crowd is not allowing others to digest and investigate thoroughly your claims.

We are to always be accurate and thorough in our accounts. Whether in the world with those items we experience every day, or be it within our walk with Christ and study of His Word. I embarked on this writing journey to learn more about my Kingdom Purpose and after over three years, I am still seeking. I am still working on the accuracy through my constant thorough study.

When you are presented information, what is your process for understanding? Are you thorough in your search for accuracy, or are you just spouting what you heard? What care do you have for the accuracy and thoroughness of your account?