I have read that when paratroopers reach a certain stage of expertise, they begin packing their own parachutes. The reason for this is that an improperly packed parachute can lead to death. It's not that these paratroopers distrust the professional riggers whose job it is to pack the chutes, it's just that when they pack their own chute, they don't have to place their lives in someone else's hands. Perhaps not a big deal to most people, but if you are the one jumping out of that perfectly good plane, it's comforting to know something about the parachute.

In the years that I have been preaching, I have been shocked to see how many people are willing to take the word of a man when it comes to their eternal salvation. Now, I'm not suggesting that it is bad to trust preachers or Bible teachers or parents, I'm just saying that at some point you need to be finding out for yourself exactly what God's word has to say. Anything else is akin to letting just about any stranger on the street to pack your parachute: It's risky business.

It is critical for people to understand several important facts about those who preach: First, they are usually paid so it can be a great temptation to preach only those things that the people paying them want to hear. Second, regardless of any claims to the contrary, preachers are not divinely inspired with knowledge - if they were there would be zero variance in what they taught. Third, there are lazy and dishonest people in every walk of life and, sadly, preaching is no exception. Knowing this, will you trust such a one to "pack your parachute" for you?

The good news is that the Bible was divinely inspired by our loving Father. Remember that God so loved the world that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Do we think for a moment that He would then give us His will in such a way that only professional preachers could figure out what it meant? The fact is that neither God nor Jesus took any chances with the giving of Their word. Will we take any chances in receiving that word?

The Bible really can be understood, because it was given in such a way as to be understood. Since that is the case, doesn't it make sense to pack your own parachute?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15, NIV