Devotional for 6/28/15
We have God's word - the Bible - to guide us in this life. But different people interpret what it says in hugely different ways. Even supposed "Biblical Scholars" disagree on major issues. Some feel that the Bible "contains" God's true words in certain parts, others believe the Bible "is" God's word, in its entirety without exception. Some people take parts of the Bible and dismiss them as "out of touch" or only true at that time, no longer applicable. Others take it all extremely literally regardless of the style of writing and to whom it was written and for what purpose. I strongly believe that the Bible is God's word, all of it is true and for our learning even today, and should be read in context.
It can be very disconcerting to hold strongly to a belief about what the Bible says about a certain issue, and then to have others hold just as strongly to the opposite belief when reading the exact same words. Some can "agree to disagree" on friendly terms, and others launch an all out verbal attack. Then there are the issues that make it to a court of law. There are times that the courts may dictate something in direct opposition to what some believe God has firmly established, while others celebrate that their view is finally prevailing in the courts. And both sides vow to continue to fight.
What is the best way to handle things when this happens? As Christians we must first realize that God is perfect and we are not. We may not always agree with other Christians because as humans we are fallible. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are forgiven for their shortcomings. We can hold firmly to our beliefs but still deal lovingly with those who believe differently. We pray for them, as well as for ourselves, that God will continue to work in our hearts and help us to act in ways that bring him glory. The most important thing is that we remain faithful, believing that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by our works of "right thinking and actions." (see Romans chapter 3)
Second, we must remember that God always prevails. We do not need to fear about what is happening around us. He will always be our refuge and strength no matter what others around us are doing or saying. The universal "church" will always remain.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress... He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:1-7, 10 (NIV) AMEN!
written by Jan Andersen
It is true as this devotional states that there are many interpretations abroad about the Bible and its meaning and what God intended. Like Jan, I believe that the Bible is the breathed word of God. Others believe differently. The important thing is to read the Bible frequently asking the Lord to give us insight as to the meaning of what we are reading.
ReplyDeleteGod bless...
Jan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, loving way to hold on to your convictions and obey Jesus's call to love one another. We are truly in the days when trusing God throughout is all we can do! I especially like this part: The most important thing is that we remain faithful, believing that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by our works of "right thinking and actions." (see Romans chapter 3) Thank you!
Thank you both for your responses. I pray that we can all see one another through the eyes of Christ - with loving forgiveness.
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