Depth

Even though I’m sure it is nothing new, I’m amazed at those who offer bible opinions, comment on what Jesus would or would not do, make statements concerning theirs and others eternities, and yet are not very knowledgable of the bible or bible study methods.

It is always easier to simply say what you feel and make that a “Thus saith the Lord.” You can be sincere about your feelings; but it can still be sincerely ….wrong. The apostle Paul instructed the young evangelist, Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. “ 2 Ti. 2:15

One common error is that people take a position, their own position, on a given issue; and then try to bend the bible to support their pre-determined conclusion. Honest, diligent, students of the bible will, instead, study the scriptures and bend their lives and opinions to the Word of God. This practice will bring enormous blessing to your life.

Why this lack of depth among the people of God today? Can we blame it on the mega churches? Nope. It’s always been this way. The answer can be summed up in one word. One word that is common to all people. We all struggle with being ….. Lazy. It’s much easier to sit in church and open our mouths like little baby birds and let whoever is preaching or teaching to just put the food in our mouths.

It takes work, effort, time, and energy to practice all the spiritual disciplines. And they are called disciplines for a reason. Ask yourself, “how much time do I spend in real, personal, dilligent, bible study each week?” Do you have a bible dictionary? Encycopedia? Concordance? Do you have more than one bible translation? When was the last time you studied a biblical topic throughout the scriptures? What is your daily bible reading program? When have you made a dedicated study of one particular book of the bible? What is the last bible verse you have memorized? Or do you formulate all your opinions and thoughts by those you listen to …. alone?

I challenge you to take your discipleship commitment up a notch and, ”Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” Eph. 4:14