Listening to a podcast recently, the pastor asked listeners to truly reflect on the question, “Do you believe in the bible?”
My natural response was, “Of course, absolutely”. But he didn’t stop there. He spoke about his personal challenges with that question which led me to truly reflect.
You see, I absolutely believe in the bible, but I don’t fully live out that belief.
His first bible example was Luke 14:26,33 “”If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple…So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”
He apologized to his church for not following these verses in his life. His father had passed away, and other things needed to be done in the kingdom, but he focused on his father instead of the kingdom.
For many of us we will listen to him and state, that there is no issue with that. But he was right… If we believe in the bible, then we will seek Christ first in all things. Jesus stated in Luke 9:59-62
“And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.””
This all spoke deeply in my heart.
I pray it does for you as well.
Reflections
Food for thought: Like a marriage, our relationship with God is a long time covenant. God calls us to seek Him first and bring Him all the glory. The words of the Bible were written to guide us in all areas of our lives. So reflect and answer the question, “do you believe in the bible”? I pray that this inspires you to reflect, seek forgiveness and follow HIM.
Prayer: Holy God, as I reflected on the words of your messenger I realize that even though I love you, I truly don’t with all of my heart and soul. There are many times that I choose family over you. Forgive me. There are times I am so focused on my possessions that the idea of not having running water, functional facilities, a shelter over my head, or food in my pantry is something I don’t want to fathom. Forgive me. Lord, I want you more than all of these things. Forgive me for not living out 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”… Thank you for your continued gentle reminders. Amen
May God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.