Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelvePrimjer

Whom Do I See in the Mirror?

Sometimes we glance in the mirror and miss some finer blemishes that could use a little attention. Other times we take a deep and careful look to see what needs to change. That's how different people look at the Bible. Some glance at it casually without allowing it to change their lives, but God's intentions go far beyond that.

Passive Christianity is an oxymoron; you cannot be a serious follower of Jesus and not care about His commission or desire for all to join His family. Any true knowledge of God is a forerunner to meaningful action. To approach God's Word without hunger to obey is to be deceived about who He is and who we are as His representatives on earth.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28). Anytime we get near God's heart in the Bible, we see His compassion for the sick, wounded, hurting, less fortunate, poor, grieving, and those far from God. To read God's Word and take no action is to deny His presence in our life and His work in the lives He brings across our path; Jesus also said that, at the final judgment, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me" (Matthew 25:40).

The widow, the fatherless, the single parent, the refugee, and many more are worthy recipients of our best love and compassion. James calls that "pure and undefiled religion."

Question: Do you approach the Bible submitted to it and to the One who inspired it or do you reserve the right to remain independently in charge? Who is God asking you to love today?

Prayer: Express a renewed trust in the Holy Spirit and submit to the commands and exhortations He has inspired across the pages of the Bible.