The Peril of Delegating Understanding
In an age where pastors, theologians, and even social media personalities offer their interpretations of the Bible, it’s tempting to outsource our understanding of God’s Word. While collective wisdom has its merits, relying solely on others’ viewpoints can divert us from the authentic message God has for us. The Bible is a resource for individual growth and enlightenment, not merely a topic for others to dissect and debate.
The Imperative of Personal Insight
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
The Bible itself urges us to delve into and comprehend the Word on our own. This personal study fosters a unique relationship with God and provides us with insights that are specifically relevant to our own life experiences.
The Risks of Secondhand Interpretations
Example 1: The Distorted Message
Think about the game of “Telephone,” where a message gets passed from one person to another and often ends up muddled. This is what can happen when we depend entirely on someone else’s interpretation of the Bible. The core message can become distorted, leading us away from the truth.
Example 2: Subjective Readings
Everyone brings their own biases and experiences to their reading of the Bible. For example, someone grappling with a particular sin might read verses in a way that justifies their behavior. If you rely solely on their viewpoint, you might be led astray.
Annotated Bibles: A Double-Edged Sword
Bibles that include men’s comments on what each verse means—or even assert what it definitively means—can be particularly risky. While these annotations may offer some insights, they can also easily sway your understanding and dilute the Bible’s message. It’s far more beneficial to engage in live discussions about the Bible, rather than letting another person’s fixed words influence your interpretation.
The Necessity for Individual Discernment
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
The Bible cautions us to be discerning and not to accept every interpretation we encounter. It’s essential to read and understand the Bible ourselves to verify whether what we’re hearing is in line with God’s Word.
The Absurdity of Vicarious Understanding
Would you let someone else taste food for you and then try to experience its flavors through them? Obviously not. The same logic applies to the Bible. You can’t fully appreciate its depth and nuance unless you engage with it directly.
The Bible as Your Personal Compass
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
The Bible is intended to guide each of us on our individual spiritual journey. While it’s valuable to listen to sermons and engage in Bible discussions, we must also invest time in reading and understanding it ourselves. This is the only way to truly unlock the transformative power of God’s Word.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases through some links in our articles.
