"While we were still sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
When it comes to the Bible, I have heard it said, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." That is a clear step of thoughtful obedience, and is a mindset that says, "God, You are first and I am second." It is a way of life that simply says, "I care what God says and what God wants." I'd like us to ponder three very different phrases and approaches to the Bible.
Actually some people know a lot about the Bible and others know very little. It is not the knowledge that God is looking for, rather He is desiring for us to live what the Bible says. I heard a speaker say once, The word Bible should be an acronym - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It is a manual, a field book, a guidebook, a love letter from God about how He has been there and how He loves us. His love never fails.
When it comes to the Bible, we need to comprehend that it is God's Word. Our approach to the Bible has so much to do with what we believe about God. Just read these statements and think about your desire to know God and know His Word.
- I Don't Care What God Says - I Just Want To Do What I Want To Do.
- I Don't Know What The Bible Says About it - And I Am Not Going To Look So I Don't Have To Feel Guilty.
- I Want To Know What The Bible Says - But I Will Decide Later If I Want To Obey It.
- I Want to Know What The Bible Says So I Can Obey And Please God.
Our approach to the Bible has a great deal to do with our thoughts about who we believe God is and who we believe we are. When a person finds themself believing that God made everything, and He loves us even though we mess up - there is a response that says, "I like that, I can't believe that, and I want to be embracing the love of God."
His love for us is incredible. He doesn't ask for us to be good enough, He just loves us. He doesn't say, "As long as you...... I will love you." Nor does He say, "Because of what you did, I will love you." His love was before our love.
I would encourage you to make a habit to daily read the Bible and think about what it says.