How do we know what is relevant to us in the Bible? Is it all relevant for us today or only some of it? What happens when we choose bits and pieces for what we believe is relevant for us?

My heart is saddened when I hear some folks comment about different passages in Scripture that cause people to start arguing about them – arguments that are mostly meant to justify their “me, me” lifestyle and decisions. When people say that something was written to a specific church for a specific reason in a specific time and was written by man, not God – this can easily lead to a “pick and choose” attitude. But, the inspired Word says: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy, 3:16-17). If we decide that only some passages are inspired by God and others are not, then what remains for us of God’s Word? Each one will decide for himself what is relevant and discard the rest. In short, we will develop a morality based on what “we” think is right and wrong.

I am intentionally not addressing some of the topics that arouse such controversy. My only desire is to say that God’s word is perfect and whole. ALL that we have today is inspired by God. We may listen to encouraging sermons, read popular books, admire speakers and hold to certain teachings. But, when the time comes and we meet our Lord, He won’t ask us what we did with what this person or that person said, but what we did with what He said, in HIS Word, with HIS book.

Let’s stop what we’re doing and ask ourselves: Am I striving to honour God in all my ways? A certain synagogue has a sign welcoming the congregants, which also admonishes them: “Know before whom you stand”. It relates to the way we dress, the way we behave, the way we treat each other, the way we live. Dismissing a part of Scripture as being “legalistic” or “irrelevant” to our times doesn’t change the fact that it Is part of Scripture. We may interpret Scripture differently, but in one way or another, it ALL is relevant to our lives, ALL of it. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.” (Isa. 40:8).

© Hannah Kramer