First, God’s Word is reliable. Its reliability is shown by
its ability to consistently provide truth for countless people in multiple time
frames and in diverse situations. I’ve read books by several different authors;
as they’ve shared from their own lives and from the lives of others, they all
keep arriving at the same truths. They find hope and encouragement in the same
verses.
What that tells me is that is that the specific
circumstances don’t matter. People come to the Bible from countless life
scenarios, and the Word of God is able to meet whatever the need is. Its truths
are so timeless and fundamental that they are applicable to every situation
life can present.
I am also reminded that the Bible (as a whole and in its
individual parts) means something. The reason that multiple people can find
help in the same verses is that those verses have a specific message which the
readers independently discover as they read the same passage. The same meaning and
therefore the same hope, consistently found by person after person in century
after century, demonstrate that the Bible is reliable. Christians today can
find the same help that has been found by Christians throughout history.
Speaking of help, the Bible is real, and it has a very real
impact on lives. Following the recent church bus crash in Indiana, many
observers were amazed at the faith and peace demonstrated by those affected. I
read an Internet comment posted by a skeptic; he asserted that Christians’
acceptance of terrible events as being God’s will and having greater purpose was
essentially an excuse to live a delusional, fairy tale life. He suggested that such
statements are an empty mantra that Christians use to avoid dealing with pain.
I can understand why the writer would think this, but my
heart responds that he thinks the way he does only because he has never
experienced the inexplicable peace and inexhaustible grace that God gives.
Those who have experienced those things know they are real, and the reliable
Scriptures remind Christians of that hope through the same precious verses.
The second thought I’ve had in my reading is that we never
outgrow our need for God’s Word. Regardless of the level (or perceived level)
of our spiritual maturity, we still need to grow, and we still need the Bible
to help us do that. I’ve recently read a couple of books by Elisabeth Elliot. She
transparently shares the reality of Christian growth, admitting that at sixty
years of age she still had areas of weakness and struggle. She shares personal
testimony that reveals her continued striving for growth.
I wouldn’t put myself in the same group with Elisabeth
Elliot, but I understand her position. I’ve often been very aware of my
continued struggles; in light of such weakness, I’ve wondered how I can possibly
be of service to God. I don’t think I’m alone in my evaluation of Christians in
prominent positions: authors, radio personalities, pastors, pastors’ wives,
missionaries, university presidents and professors. I see these respected
leaders, those typically invited as public speakers, as being beyond any
significant struggle, especially in the day to day elements of ordinary life. (They
might be affected for a day or two by a major event like cancer or death of a loved one.) It’s
easy to think that those people can serve God, but that I will never reach a
level where I will be able to.
The truth is that these people struggle too. Occasionally we
meet someone with the humility, bravery, and compassion to admit it. It would
neither be right nor beneficial for these respected leaders to publically
disclose or put the focus on every little (or big) struggle they have. There is
something very encouraging, however, when a leader does that in an appropriate
way. We “common” Christians are able to realize that even those we view as role
models, leaders, and spiritual heroes are still in the battle. They still need
God’s Word and help every day. In spite of the things that still trip them up
and frustrate them, God uses them. God doesn’t require perfection for service.
When we realize that and are willing to serve God while still in the pursuit of
sanctification, He can use us in spite of ourselves. The key is that we must earnestly
seek Him and the truth of His Word as we constantly pursue our journey toward
godliness.
“All Scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for
every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
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