I've spent a lot of time in church. Having worked in "full-time ministry" for many years, for periods of my life I probably spent more waking moments involved in "church" than not. I've studied our sordid history. I've compared denominations. I've contrasted major belief separations within "Christendom".
And, for the life of me, I just can't figure this out.
I may have spent time thinking this through, but I am definitely no expert. I've studied, but I am no scholar. I am at best an semi-informed semi-pro layman, yeah... not even that.
Here's my problem.
We put this immense focus upon the intricate study of scripture. We scour the original (or at least earlier historical version) languages. We read commentaries. We listen to sermons. We compare linguistics. "Yes, but this is in the Greek Aorist tense!"
A Short Rabbit Trail
It bothers me that we have made the study of scripture a profession. Thus, to be done by professionals. And, in doing so, re-instituted the exact separation between laity and regular-everyday Joe's that Jesus eliminated. But, that's another subject.
Back to the Point
I am not trying to say that the study of scripture is not beneficial. I am not trying to say that it is not important. I am not trying to say that you shouldn't be studying scripture.
[22] But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. [23] For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. [24] You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. - Jam 1:22-24 NLT
Study of scripture is a beautiful thing. But, it is not a destination in and of itself. The point is not to JUST study the scripture. But, to study the scripture, seek to understand it, and then apply it in such a way to your life that it makes changes in your character.
Study itself is not worship. Study is a vehicle. Study of scripture, which becomes knowledge, can become belief. If that belief is given time to mature, it produces changes in our character which manifests itself as changes in our behavior and actions.
Lives that have visibly changed bring glory to God. THAT is worship.
Worship is an Olde English word which comes from "Worth-ship". And it means "to ascribe worth."
When we study, it does not necessarily ascribe worth to Father God. However, when that study becomes maturity in our lives, and people notice it. In that, our Father is glorified.
So, let me encourage you. Or, more correctly, let me encourage myself. Don't be like the man who looks into the mirror of scripture, then turns away and forgets what he saw. James continues...
[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. - Jam 1:22-25 NIV
Okay, but what does this have to do with Scripture?
Now, in my last post, we were discussing the letters that Paul wrote, and whether they were "Scripture". I was running off at the mouth about my issues of using Paul's quote about "all scripture is God breathed" to prove that Paul's letter itself was scripture. (Go back and read it, because I just did a terrible job readressing the issue).
Anyways, without any doubt, Paul wrote some great letters. But, in my opinion, he had something even more interesting to say about a letter that Christ wrote...
I'm in the Second letter Paul has written to the Church at Corinth. At the end of Chapter 2, he is saying that he's not like all the "televangelists" of his day who are only preaching to make a quick buck. But, he speaks before God out of love, and with sincerity.
Then, he continues at the top of Chapter 3 (understanding that it wasn't Paul who divided this letter into Chapters) and he takes an interesting stance.
[1] Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! - 2Cr 3:1 NLT
Okay, let's back up. First, he's saying that he's not a money-hungry-preacher-for-hire, like so many other people of his day (lest you think that you and I are the only ones who detest that type). Then, he starts talking about the proof behind the legitimacy of his ministry and calling.
Paul hypothetically asks if he really is like the other guys. Does he need to bring a letter of recommendation? Should he ask them to write their own letter of recommendation so he can go to the next town to preach-for-pay there?
Of course not!
But, watch what he says...
[2] The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. - 2Cr 3:2 NLT
Basically, Paul tells them that if anyone wants to look at the legitimacy of his ministry, he can look at the harvest produced in the Corinthian believers. That is the only "letter" of recommendation that he needs, "...everyone can read it and recognize our good work...".
So, the "letter" of recommendation is read in the lives of the people that his ministry has touched. But, who wrote that letter?
[3] Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This "letter" is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. - 2Cr 3:3 NLT
Paul's letter to Corinth vs. Christ's letter to the Earth
Now, let's return to our subject from last post. If a man can write something (under the influence of the Holy Spirit), and across thousands of years of discussion, it can still be considered "God breathed Scripture". How much more so a letter from Christ.
If Paul's word ring eternal. How much more so the Eternal One?
Okay, so what's the point?
You undoubtedly know many a person that would never pick up a Bible. Maybe they've been burned by church. Maybe they can't stand "Christians". Maybe they can't stomach the politics. Maybe they just don't feel "holy" enough or "clean" enough or perhaps they do feel that they are just "not" enough.
Whatever the reason. The bible is not their source for inspiration. Paul's letter will never grace their thought patterns.
Your life, however, does. They may not read Paul's letter. They will read Christ's. Because Christ's letter... is you.
"...The only letter of recommendation we need is you..."
"...Your lives are a letter..."
"...Clearly, you are a letter from Christ..."
"...everyone can read it..."
You may be the only "Scripture" someone ever reads. Your reaction to difficult situations. Your decision in times of temptation. Your grace with the tough-to-love. Your patience with rush-hour-traffic. Your spirit of forgiveness instead of judgement.
You, my friend, are a letter of recommendation from God to all the people around you. Live it fearlessly!
