I’ve noticed a trend that has been gaining momentum for a while now among a number young Christians that I happen to know or be acquainted with. Many are picking up the Bible to examine the teachings for themselves and study it on a deeper level than is typical for the average churchgoer. The zeal with which they are doing this is commendable, and with the nuggets that are being mined from this precious collection of writings that hold the power to transform lives, we may very well be on the verge of a great awakening. One which will see a mass turning of the hearts of people to their Creator; a revival, as we so often refer to it within the four walls of a lot of our churches. But that’s not what this is about.
Along with this increased study of the Bible, there seems to not just be a rise in knowledge but also in opinions, debates and criticism of religious bodies, practices and leaders. I get it; when you’re passionate about the faith you profess, it’s hard to ignore the shortcomings and malpractices of others who profess the same faith – especially when you believe they should know better and be held to a higher standard because they are in positions of leadership. I mean, even Jesus criticised the religious leaders of his day when He disagreed with their interpretations and religious practices. But mind you, that wasn’t what He was best known for.
Jesus’ criticism of religion was not the reason the crowds thronged Him. It wasn’t the reason why by the time He left the face of the earth at the age of 33, the world as the people of His day knew it was forever changed. Jesus was known and loved for His compassion, His wisdom, His acts of love and manner in which He went out of His way to meet the deep emotional, physical, spiritual and material needs of the people who encountered Him – oftentimes, through bold demonstrations of power. He was known for identifying with the rejected and for extending grace and forgiveness where others were prepared to throw stones. And of course, He left an indelible mark on all of us with His great sacrifice of His life for ours. Jesus, the model of our faith and the one we should be emulating, was best known for His impact on mankind and the world around Him.
So, while I applaud anyone who decides to take the faith that they profess seriously enough to study the writings on which it is based for themselves, I think there is a problem when the knowledge gained seems to only make them better equipped to quote Bible verses, and debate and criticise doctrines and other people’s actions. As the good book tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:20, the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power. With the traps of spiritual pride and self-righteousness lurking around, those who think they are standing really should take heed lest they fall (à la 1 Corinthians 10:12).
Having said all of that, my hope for anyone travelling along this tangent, but with the humility of spirit to examine themselves and make course corrections where necessary, is that this would be the year when you become known not just for your knowledge and opinions, but for your faith and your works. The year when you give up your seat among the mockers, critics, accusers of the brethren and stone throwers and appreciate that God has always done His greatest works through flawed vessels and (if the stories in the Bible are anything to go by), He will continue to do so.
He left us an extensive mandate before He ascended to heaven and our aim ought to be to busy ourselves with it and try not to get caught up with distractions which seem good but in actual fact don’t do much for the Kingdom of God. Obedience to His instructions is His own litmus test of our love for Him (Yup, John 14:23!). And quite frankly, a lot of these things I’m seeing in place of the fruit that reading the Bible should be producing in us, He hasn’t asked us to do.
So in the words of Eric, please don’t just read the Bible to get theology. Read it so you can actually do it.
#iHaveBeenMindingMyself #ButEricHadToGoAndReadMyMind #lol ##IfYouFallIntoThisCategoryPleaseTryForYourselfThisYear #PleaseAndThanks
(Connect with me on Instagram @IbieneWarmann)
(Connect with me on Instagram @IbieneWarmann)
