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For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. – 2 Tim 4:3
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4
Have you ever read the Bible and found some random scripture that seems like a get out of jail free card?
I know I have. Do you remember the one about all things being permissible but not all things are beneficial? Well, I was all about the first part. All things are permissible baby! Let’s go!
Party time for your boy!
So what if the things I wanted to do were contradicted by tons of scripture in the New and Old Testament? So what if it was contrary to the whole bit about loving your neighbor as yourself or putting God first? All things are permissible right? That means that God trusts me to make some decisions. That means I’ve got some leeway right?
Eh… not really.
This is the exact thing that folks point to when they claim that the Bible is contradictory. It’s not the text that is contradictory; it is the people who say that they believe in it and preach it to the masses. Most of us have a very particular world view based on our life experiences and unfortunately it is human nature to try to make things conform to one’s understanding of the world.
Whether it was slavery or emancipation, helping the poor or telling them to help themselves, respecting women as equals or viewing them as footstools the Bible has been championed as the key supporter of all of these things. The reality is that folks were just cherry picking parts to support their beliefs.
They were trying to bend the Bible to their will rather than surrendering to its will.
Letting go of control is a hard thing to do. But what I have figured out is that this control is just an illusion anyway. When we realize the truth, that we don’t have much control at all, it becomes easier to clearly see the purpose that has been laid before us and the path that is required to get there.
For me, the Bible has been indispensible in guiding my steps along that path. But, I first had to lay down my preconceived notions and desires to make it what I wanted it to be and let it be what it is. And to be honest, this is still a work in progress; but with each step I feel all the more confident that it will take me everywhere I dreamed of going, and beyond.
"They were trying to bend the Bible to their will rather than surrendering to its will.
ReplyDeleteLetting go of control is a hard thing to do. But what I have figured out is that this control is just an illusion anyway. When we realize the truth, that we don’t have much control at all, it becomes easier to clearly see the purpose that has been laid before us and the path that is required to get there.
For me, the Bible has been indispensible in guiding my steps along that path. But, I first had to lay down my preconceived notions and desires to make it what I wanted it to be and let it be what it is."
Very well said. Very well.
And very timely...
ReplyDeleteIn both love and spirituality, control truly is just an illusion.
In love, you may find yourself "not giving up" control to another, but trusting another enough to allow/give them control. I didn't know this "space" existed until I found myself in love with a man I consider to be the love of my life.
In spirituality, it's God's world.
I think when you find yourself in a place where whose in control is no longer a concern, you will find yourself in a place of knowing and freedom you didn't think were possible.
Believe, RELAX, and let God. You will see all that you need to see. And all will be fine.
Very well said.
Hello Man of God, I read all of chapter 20 just this morning and oh my! My absolute favorite is verse 9.
ReplyDeleteBut if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
I just LOVE IT!!
Sidenote: This particular post brings to mind the post "Snow Ball Effect" and we went back and forth. LOL
As always, I dig it :)
Great mention Nicole!
ReplyDeleteAnd I dig the name you have for C. I dig when Black women/men/people can show such appreciation of one another.
@Alegria I totally agree on what you mean about experiencing that letting go when it comes to love. So very true. It really does take that special person to help us to learn that so that we can apply it when dealing with others.
ReplyDelete@Nicole hahah yes I remember that too. That's why I enjoyed the back and forth. Just like anyone else i need folk to speak up when you think I'm off base. Besides it's more fun that way.
@Alegria and Nicole y'all and your nicknames.. smh...haha
"Party time for your boy!
ReplyDeleteSo what if the things I wanted to do were contradicted by tons of scripture in the New and Old Testament? So what if it was contrary to the whole bit about loving your neighbor as yourself or putting God first? All things are permissible right? That means that God trusts me to make some decisions. That means I’ve got some leeway right?"
What happens when you believe in what the bible says about certain things and you fall? Big time! Yes, I know the bible says to get back up, but the thing I'm talking about is assuming the responsibility of being His ambassador and realizing that personal actions displayed were stumbling blocks instead? Ok,let's go ahead and put "me" into the equation and get a little specific. I recently went out of town and partied my tail off. Drinking and dancing. I had gladly given these to God years ago and actually had no desire to return to it. However, when I got to my destination, there was an unbelievable urge to drink. To get "wild". I brought my bible with me but not once did I open it nor did I bend my knee one time to talk to Him. I didn't even feel sorry about it until I returned home. How hypocritical that is to my family! I have been constantly thinking about the poor example of the first impression I left on those I met. I'll never see those people again to apologize or ask for forgiveness. WHAT do you do then?
@Pure Perseverance I'm so glad that you shared this because it is so very real. I deal with this too. The thing that you have to remember is the truth... and the truth is that salvation is continual and everlasting. This of course isn't an excuse to take it for granted because our faith serves to transform us into new versions of our best selves... But... you have to have grace with yourself after you have humbly gone to God for forgiveness. God has forgiven you so you have to forgive yourself.
ReplyDeleteNext of course is trying to figure out how to act in ways that don't put you in those situation... and if you are in such a situation how to navigate it in a holy way. Something that I find helpful is to bring God in there with me in my heart. So maybe I am at the club for a buddy's birthday, but if I'm conscious of the fact that the Holy Spirit is there with me, within me, I tend to behave differently and can be a proper representation of God in those spaces.
In my opinion walking the Godly path doesn't mean that we won't be in tricky situation.. but it does mean that we are capable of letting His light shine through us even when we are in those dark places.
It's hard and it's part of the process to figure that out for ourselves. The beauty and the challenge of the Christian walk is that it is a personal one, a personal relationship with God that is unique to each and every believer.
We just have to do our best to let God lead the way whether we are stumbling, walking or flying.
I hope that helps.