June 28

Written by Bill Grandi on June 28th, 2021

A number of years ago (around 2002), I read a book by Tom Morrisey entitled Wild by Nature. At the time I really enjoyed the book, but for the most part it was a one-and-done read. I truly enjoyed WBN, subtitled True Stories of Adventure and Faith. Last week we went to Ohio to see our grandson play baseball (and see his mom) ๐Ÿ™‚ . I decided to take the book with me to read it again.

In the Introduction, Mr. Morrisey wrote something that struck me. In reference to his use of the Bible in his stories, he writes a brief introduction to the Bible. Then he wrote this:

I offer this brief introduction to the Bible because, while the references given may make it seem that it (the Bible) is a companion volume to this book, the reverse is actually true-this book was written as a companion volume to God’s Book.

I like that. All too often we are guilty of deciding then looking to the Bible to confirm. The opposite should be true. First the Bible; then our decision/choice. The Bible was never meant to be a handbook but a guidebook. The Bible was never meant to be checked for an okay; it was meant to be read and applied. Psalm 119: 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It lights the path as it goes in front. It wasn’t meant to be a back light.

Those are important thoughts for us in this day and age. The Bible needs to be our guide, not our handbook. We allow the Bible to direct us, not do then seek approval.

“Father, may Your Word by my guide…always.”

 

6 Comments so far ↓

  1. Yes, vital thoughts. Thanks, Bill!

  2. Ryan S. says:

    Interesting distinction Bill…
    I definitely understand the quote, in regards to being a companion manual.
    The Bible has stood the test of time without “need” for additional commentary or additions.

    When we start looking for ways to justify our decision or position through the texts of the Bible, we need to be careful. The Bible is a narrative and with the exception of some of the old testament laws (take the 10 Commandments for example), does not always specify what is permissible and what is not.

    Throw grace into the mix and Paul himself with his letter to the Corinthians…
    10:30 – “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” NKJV

    Obviously, the above taken out of context says I can do anything, anytime, anywhere… but taken the above idea is not helpful and and does not build others up… — This line of thinking would go against the very detail Jesus laid out in regards to the 2nd most important commandment…

    Pulling from Matthew – 22:36-40
    36 โ€œTeacher, which is the great commandment in the law?โ€

    37 Jesus said to him, โ€œโ€˜You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.โ€™ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: โ€˜You shall love your neighbor as yourself.โ€™ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.โ€

    So as you stated, not a handbook… not a place to index and find “what the Bible says about xyz”

    There is so much in the Bible, but I really believe if we focus on the above…

    1) Love God with all our heart soul, mind and strength
    2) Love our neighbor as ourselves (put them first)
    then…
    3) When we do “all things that are permissible” we would do it in the mindset of the above two… but when we mess up, we have God’s grace to land on.

    My intent is not to dumb down or state that the rest of the Bible is filler…
    The rest of the Bible guides us through life and can provide the wisdom to make the choices that will help us do 1 and 2 above. The Bible provides context, history, narrative, examples, peace, assurance, proof, the list goes on!

    Ok, stopping now… I think I may have typed too much already ๐Ÿ™‚
    Have a great day!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      No don’t stop! I appreciate the contribution Ryan. I certainly won’t and can’t argue with your assessment either. Loving God and loving others puts all else into perspective. Thanks for the great words.

  3. The Bible is definitely a guide book and not some side kick to bring along on our journey.
    Blessings, Bill!