Whenever we look at things in the present and try to extrapolate into the past, everything we dream up by such a process should be held very tentatively. If the evidence is considered selectively, we are in even more danger of being wrong. If we are trying to conform to the world, we have even more reason to seek God concerning our thinking. If there is a financial or ego-based incentive, we are even more likely to be deceived. The human mind is evil and deceitful. However, the Holy Spirit is our teacher. If we are walking in the Spirit, we are learning to hear His voice and to respond in obedience and submission. He promises to teach us all things. Alternatively, we can lean on our own understanding, ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth.