What bothered me was the "Christian Living" type of books. You know, those books that aren't necessarily a formal study of a specific portion of Scripture, but the kind that use (emphasis on the word use) the Bible to explain a particular topic of interest for a Christian? I was amazed at what is available for Christian consumption these days. Do you know how many times I saw the word "secrets" or "steps" or "guide"? Too many, I assure you. A Christian can buy books on everything from "Using Faith to Flatten Your Belly" to "What Would Jesus Eat?" (A Christian Cookbook) A plethora of volumes promise to reveal the "secrets" (there's that word again) of success in your marriage, your career, or even your landscaping! (Okay, maybe that last one wasn't actually in the catalog, but you see my point.)
What bothers me is the underlying assumption that the Bible is this magical book that contains all of the right recipes for a healthy, happy, fulfilled life here on earth. One well-known author would even have us believe that, if we will just read his book, we can have our "Best Life Now." Just plug in the steps revealed in any one of these books and...PRESTO!
Now, make no mistake, the Bible is a book. The Bible is magical--if by magical you mean that it was supernaturally inspired and preserved, and that it deals with many things beyond the realm of human perception. We must not forget, however, that the Bible is a book. Like any well-written book it has an underlying theme (or thesis) that drives it forward--from Genesis to Revelation. Every portion of scripture that was included in the Bible was included because the Author felt that portion would allow Him to move closer toward His thesis for the book. The Bible is not a hodgepodge collection of "secrets" or "steps." It is the divine revelation of history--His story. The story of God's dealings with mankind--where we came from, where we are, and where we are going. The truths of scripture can and do impact a variety of areas in our lives, but I have reservations about the mentality that looks to use the Bible for this and that. The Bible is not to be used. The Bible is to be learned, studied, and mediated upon in its fullness.
A glance through the typical Christian book catalog reveals that we (as in Christianity as a whole) have got a problem--narcissism. We have turned the Bible from His story to our story. We are so consumed with having our "Best Life Now" that we have forgotten what both Paul and C.S. Lewis understood perfectly. This life is just the beginning. It's the overture. The real performance comes later. We are living in the "Shadowlands," but the best is yet to come. The Bible is not about secret steps or hidden principles. It's our only reliable source for truly understanding what life is all about--and I can assure you, it's not about us!
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face" - the Apostle Paul
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3 comments:
Nowhere are New Testaments saints promised a "good" life (good by earthly standards) here on earth. In fact, we are promised the opposite--trials and tribulations. Success in this life doesn't mean anything in terms of our position in Christ.
Mr.Doan, PRESTO!! is off of Super Why have you been watching to much ? We miss you all very much love Bethany
Andrew, we so appreciate your insight. Truly the the whole purpose of our time with God through worship, prayer, and the reading of His Word is to know Him, love Him, and be more like Him. Most of the problems we face come not from the problems themselves, but from our reponse to them. We miss our sharpening times with you and Danielle. You are very much in our thoughts. Give Danielle and Eldon our love! The Daveys
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