Investigation and Evidence

For many scientists and investigators, Sherlock Holmes has been a major inspiration. It almost has seemed irrelevant that Holmes was just a fictional character, invented by Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born on this day in 1859.

Through his creation of Holmes, Doyle, a physician, introduced an entirely new way of approaching police work. This was a process of painstakingly examining the evidence. Looking for clues, even in places that may not seem obvious.

Even as a fictional character, Holmes was the first to use ballistics and detect poisons. To look for hair samples, traces of soil, and even microscopic fabrics.

Holmes stressed the importance of observation. Looking beyond what appeared on the surface. In one novel, Doyle had Holmes make this observation: “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” Elsewhere, he said, “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.”

Doyle, in fact, was focusing on attitudes with a Biblical foundation. For the Bible encourages us not to go through life blindly but to pay attention. Not just to listen to rumors or speculation but to investigate matters thoroughly. To study our own hearts and minds, our habits and actions. To test what we do and “examine our ways” (Lamentations 3:40).

Believers are to seek to learn more from God, praying that He would open our eyes “to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalm 119:18). To diligently study His Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

But we also are to be careful about what we believe. Not just being “tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching” so we will not be vulnerable “when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Ephesians 4:14).

In your life, seek to be a more diligent student of God’s Word. Be open to the leading of His Spirit, sensitive and teachable. Fix your eyes on Jesus!