Sometimes I think the Bible should come with a warning label. Now, before you go all crazy on me, I’m not arguing that reading the Bible is a bad idea. I just think maybe there should be a warning label involved.
Maybe something like.
Warning: May be hazardous to a self-centered way of life.
or
Warning: This will probably mess you up and make you into a person you wouldn’t normally be.
How reading the Bible can be hazardous
Really, at least in my mind, there are two specific dangers to reading the Bible. One of them is a real danger and the other is a comfort danger.
The real danger
It is extremely dangerous to read the Bible but refuse to allow God to transform you. To read about righteousness, justice, mercy, and generosity, yet choose to remain unrighteous, unjust, unmerciful, and stingy.
The danger is really about two things.
- A missed transformation
- A hardened heart
Through the Holy Spirit, the Bible is inherently transformational. God’s word is intended to conform us to the image of Christ. But if we refuse to allow it to transform us, we miss out on that transformation and the deepened relationship with God that comes through the transformation.
The greater danger, though, is having a heart that is hard towards God. It’s just not possible to continue ignoring God without hardening your heart in some way.
But just as there are dangers in refusing the transforming power of the Bible, there are dangers in embracing it. They are desirable dangers, to be sure. But they are dangers
The desirable dangers
As we read the Bible and allow it to permeate our lives, it will transform us in deeply desirable but sometimes exquisitely uncomfortable ways. It will point out areas where we have missed God’s heart. It will open our eyes and our hearts to the struggles of others. It will call us to service and humility instead of power and pride.
- It might mess you up.
- It might change your heart.
- It might call you out of your comfort zone.
- It might conform you to the image of Christ.
In truth, all of those things are desirable. But they are not always comfortable. In fact, I dare say that they are seldom comfortable – at least in the moment.
This happens to me too
Before you think that I just float through life on a magic carpet of ease and joy like some minor deity from mythology, I have to tell you that reading the Bible does this to me too. Sometimes I try to fight God’s word and harden my heart. Other times I’m open to what he’s saying and then he really messes me up.
Many times I hear his word and don’t know what to do with it except bring it back to him, ask him for guidance, and wait. Wait for guidance. Wait for provision. Wait for his timing. Wait for him to do the deep, transformational work in my heart.
Here’s an excerpt from one of my recent journal entries.
For some reason I can’t get the image of babies and small children scavenging food in war-torn areas of the world. When I see my kids playing I can’t help but think that if Katherine and I died, I would want somebody to take care of them.
As best I can, I trust God to do that. At the same time, I can’t help but wonder if we are part of his plan to help care for somebody else’s abandoned or orphaned child. Or if there’s some way he wants us to support another person in doing the same.
It is just really heavy on my heart these last couple days. Lord, what would you have me do with this?
Let’s bring it down to the ground level
So, here’s the question: Are there places where you’re refusing to let the Bible conform you to God’s will?
If so, what are you going to do about it today?
The Bible Can Make You Crazy !
…That is a true statement for those that have gone crazy reading the Bible. There are many documented cases about people that have literally flipped out reading the Bible, ending up in mental institutions, jumping off bridges, etc. Why does this happen?? The answer is in the title. (Reading) For many that have decided to themselves that they want to read the Bible for whatever reason, do just that . They read and that’s all they do, read.
…Lets you and I analyze the problem. Do we dare? Maybe we will go crazy? Well, not right away, as it takes years of mistakes for one to fall into that snare. Or maybe we are just hiding behind a lot of here say.(heretics.) Think for a moment about what our bible tells us when we just strait out read. If we just read these scriptures without story flow or comprehension of context and what comes after the story we get very confused . 2 Cor 5:8>We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. For those that just read, what does that say? Well we have heard it many times haven’t we? “Absent from the body, present with the Lord” It’s a pet phrase we hear often times from what are termed “scripture poppers” having the understanding that when we die we will go to heaven. Why? Because of reading, just simply reading. Many so called wannabe Christians will read, constantly putting to memory, scriptures they can pop out there real quick to dispel ones knowledge of story flow. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. For those that just read, what does that say? Well we have heard it many times haven’t we? “Absent from the body, present with the Lord” It’s a pet phrase we hear often times from what are termed “scripture poppers” having the understanding that when we die we will go to heaven. Why? Because of reading, just simply reading. Many so called wannabe Christians will read, constantly putting to memory, scriptures they can pop out there real quick to dispel ones knowledge of story flow.
…True Christians, knowing the facts, will understand the context to that scripture, showing correctly that it’s talking about one living in sin, (“absent from the body of sin, present with the Lord” now.) But without study of story flow and what comes out in the correct context, we just have, “Absent from the body, present with the Lord”
This is one of the greatest dangers of reading the Bible. A Bible reader memorizing scriptures is in trouble right off the bat! Without proper study and story flow, putting all of the pieces together, the trouble begins.
…What’s worse is those that follow scripture poppers out of sheer vanity and playing one-upmanship. Many feel that’s the way. Cults are born from this attitude, as long as one can outdo another as to his memory scriptures, then that’s often the person people cling too. (a terrible error) Especially listening to someone of charisma or a mesmerizing personality.
…Right at this moment, someone could read what’s been written here so far and pop this one out there, >“There is none righteous”, from, Rom 3:10. Because anyone trying to be good or do something right is stopped by that scripture popped out there, using his or her method of intimidation by exercising their great minds. (One of the greatest deceptions Satan has.)
…By Proper study, you and I, taking our time in patience, know that scripture is speaking of those living in sin, Paul referring to what is written prior in the context. (psalms) There is none good no not one, (speaking of evil doers.) Rom 3:10>As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: These are the only(old test) references Paul has to use. Ps 14:3>They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, (righteous) no, not one. Ps 53:3>Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good,(righteousness) no, not one. But by someone exercising vanity of memory and showing off their ability to pop that scripture out there ,(>There is none righteous, no, not one: Rom 3:10.)
…Quoting that scripture in that way will often create trouble for a novice trying to come to the knowledge of the truth the correct way. A warning for those that are hindered in this way, BEWARE! And better then that, ask what is the context the scripture they are popping out there. Another scripture poppers love to quote, especially if they do not want to keep the commandments of God. (Not by works, lest any man should boast!) That one is usually very easy to counteract with, (Faith without works is dead) But then we would answer to someone’s folly. It would be much better to agree and just add to it, as we know, one with out the other is of no use.
…James 2:20>But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?James 2:18>Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James. 2:26>For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.Future event and attributes of His chosen.
…Rev. 14:12>Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Rev. 12:17>And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
The greatest problems we can have by just reading, is keeping a lot of memory scriptures that seemingly have some clout and easily popped out there at the slightest resemblance of conversation, a terrible error. You and I, Christians need to be very careful to visually remove the numbers away from verses and stick to story flow.
…Many levels of study and errors are done by reading just the verses, after all they have numbers before them don’t they? Many fail to realize they are just there for reference, not to cram down some ones throat as a means of intimidation. They are numbered as a matter of reference, NOT DOGMATIC STATEMENTS!
…So! Getting back to what makes some go crazy? They short circuit from all of the contradictions against what they have already formed in their minds, pet formulas that seem right, but are full of holes, along the way as they keep trying to correct their many mistakes the foundation of mud and gravel give way and the rafters of the mind cave in, as the foundation of what they thought was correct, was not, Hence, CRAZY happens. This is not an opinion, these are biblical facts. It’s the knowledge of our Bibles correctly read with proper STUDY, explaining to us correctly, how we should conduct ourselves in proper knowledge of his word.Acts 17:11>These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.2 Tim 2:15>Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.Isa 28:9>Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10- For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11- For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12- To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13- But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; (If not, this happens) that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. That’s the snare for scripture poppers. We need to be very careful readers of study.Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10- For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11- For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12- To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13- But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; (If not, this happens) that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. That’s the snare for scripture poppers. We need to be very careful readers of study.
…So! Does all of this prove out? Or are we just a bunch of lunatics? Maybe we are wrong and Christians are just a bunch of people that cannot stand the social pressures of this life and found an escape from it all in the Bible. Well we should be able to prove that also from the written word.
…Lets do this, after all, it’s a great exercise to actually know something versus guessing and never quite knowing anything for sure. 2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, Going on Peter mentions many good things we can do and then picking it up in 2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, Going on Peter mentions many good things we can do and then picking it up in 2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Foundations of the mind.
…Are those that have terrible mental problems mentioned in the Bible? Yes they are.> Mt:4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. seleniazomai (sel-ay-nee-ad’-zom-ahee); middle voice or passive , to be moon-struck, crazy: Mt:17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
So, we must realize that one of Satans tools is to confuse us and cause us harm. But true Christians are to shore up the mind in a way that cannot be confused. Here Jesus Christ makes mention of what we know to be truth. The context is one of what we believe and how we act upon correct knowledge. Christ states> Lk:6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock:(Correct knowledge) and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it:(Knowing what is and what is not) for it was founded upon a rock. Then Christ states what happens to someone that has false knowledge. Lk:6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation(No true understanding) built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell;(the rafters of the mind caving in) and the ruin of that house was great.
Paul makes mention of the foundation of what we learn also, 1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, (building a right mind in truth) I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth there upon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 1 Tim 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
…So! To sum it up. His chosen are not just moon struck ,( off in some hazy place in the mind of spiritual unconsciousness, drifting along and just loving the Lord with a pretense of pious gestures and loving each other with a pat on the back. (patronizing) No! His chosen have work to do beyond the realm of our way of thinking and reasoning of scriptures. We must Know we Know, always.
Your friend, Vault # 1000/300/13
Thanks for your comment Eugene. It certainly was thorough.
I think it is often in the tension between what we want to believe a about God and what we don’t yet understand that God reveals himself to us. I think God has specifically left some things hidden for us to discover as we deepen in our relationship with him.
In this post I shared some things that God has used to change my heart (and he continues to do so). Have you had similar experiences?