The chief question we ask when we apply the Bible is “how should I change?” (Please don’t ask “what does it mean to me?” as that gives people entirely the wrong idea.) Yet even when we pursue an answer to that chief question, it is not difficult to find ways to weasel out of obeying what God has said. Alan Shlemon lists three ways people tend to do just that:
- Claim personal divine revelation that supersedes Scripture. (“God told me to…”)
- Claim the Bible is corrupted and/or add other divine revelations. (“Other holy books get it right when they say…”)
- Pick and choose which parts of Scripture you’ll uphold. (“We know better today than they did back then…”)
Shlemon concludes:
Though it’s easy to see these erroneous approaches, we can’t be so naïve as to think we can’t also be blinded by the temptation to circumvent the Bible’s instruction. Jesus knew that following him would be difficult. He explained that if we want to be his disciples, we need to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him (Matt 16:24). None of those steps is easy. That, however, is what we’re called to do.
It would be much easier to dismiss divine commands, but in dismissing them, we dismiss him. He, however, is worthy of our trust. Let us be true to his word and his commands.
Shlemon’s brief piece is well worth your time. Check it out!
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