Today’s Post by: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I’m an avid reader and lover of books. In fact, at any given moment I’m working through two or more volumes at the same time. I enjoy fiction, non-fiction, spiritual growth, self-help, devotionals, and inspirational biographies. (My favorite is the Bible.)
I’ve recently discovered that books are not the only groups that I study. I spend a good amount of time reading people as well.
I scan a person’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice while listening to what they have to say. These manners of communication can sometimes speak louder than words.
Unfortunately, there is a slight problem with my method. I’m biased. We all are. We discern outward ques through broken glasses. Reality is distorted through a warped lens that is filtered through our own emotions, personality, and life experience.
For example I might see someone agitated or exceptionally quiet and automatically assume I’ve said or done something to offend them only to find that their reaction had absolutely nothing to do with me. In reality the person just had a bad day, or maybe they were tired, stressed, or carrying a burden I knew nothing about.
When we factor our own biased assumptions into the readings of others, the tale becomes twisted.
It occurred to me that we might sometimes approach God and His Word in this same manner, especially when it comes to the more incredible accounts: the six day creation, Noah’s flood, the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus’ virgin birth, or bodily resurrection.
“What is written in the Law?” [Jesus] replied. “How do you read it?”(Luke 10:26)
Are we reading the Bible as written, or are we inserting our own fallible views and preconceived ideas into the words clearly written?
The Word of God—the Bible—is trustworthy and unchanging. It is a reliable benchmark for truth. Through it we are able to understand who God is, what He has done, and the best practices for living in a broken and imperfect world.
No more reading between the lines. It’s time to take God at His Word!
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning… Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.” (Proverbs 4:1-2, 4)
