Read the Bible for the right reason! Seek wisdom, not just fancy words for prayer, the ability to parrot a memorized verse, or to develop a so-called language of ‘Christian-ease’ (Romans 15:4). God is not impressed with fancy words, and likely neither is your neighbour.
Every part of the Bible must be read in the spirit and purpose for which it was written. Mainly, listen for what it means, not just how it says it. Similarly, we ought to read straightforward and devout books just as willingly as we may read learned and profound ones like you would get in college and university.
And when we read, don’t be swayed by the authority of the author, whether she is a great literary giant or an unknown person. Again, look for and fall in love with simple truth (1 Corinthians 2:4). For “all truth is God’s truth” (Augustine, A.D. 354-430). We ought not to ask who is speaking, but mark what is spoken. For people pass away, but the truth of the Lord remains forever (Psalm 119:160).
God is rather inclusive. God speaks to us in many ways without regard for persons (Romans 2:11; 10:12). The problem is often that our intellectual curiosity impedes our reading of the Bible. Consequently, we incessantly mull small details over when what we ought to do is simply keep reading to capture the truth of the more substantial matters. If you really want to profit from the Bible, read with humility, simplicity, and faith. And never seek a reputation for being learned. Seek willingly and listen attentively to the words of every book of the Bible. It is not a race, nor a contest with anyone else to measure how much or how little you have or haven’t read. So do not be displeased with the sayings of those ancient authors, for those words were written with God’s purpose in mind (Eccles. 12:9).
Illustrative story:
The Story of the Tax Man and the Pharisee
9-12 He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’
13 “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”14 Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
Lead Well! Lead from the source.
Rev Dr Darren Roorda
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Texts: Romans 15:4 Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next.
1 Corinthians 2:4 I didn’t preach my message with clever and compelling words. Instead, my preaching showed the Holy Spirit’s power.
Psalm 119:160 Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth. Your righteous decisions are eternal.
Romans 2:11; 10:12 God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind. It’s exactly the same no matter what a person’s religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. “Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.”
Ecclesiastes 12:9 Besides being wise himself, the Teacher also taught others knowledge. He weighed, examined, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher did his best to find the right words and write the plain truth.
