Rev. Johnny L. Barber, II, Th. M.
Moderator, Florida East Coast
Baptist Association
The Bible: A device of convenience?
a blameless life that keeps the testimonies
of the Lord, seeks the Lord with one’s whole
heart, does no wrong, walks in the law of the
Lord and walks in His ways. Here is a posi-
tion where we must reflect and measure our-
selves against His Word. If we are truthful
with ourselves, I am certain that we all come
short of this. At times, the Christian conve-
niently applies God’s Word only on Sunday
morning -- when we dress up and play the
part. But if we were true to ourselves, we
struggle in many areas.
I have unfortunate news to share. I have dis-
covered that many Christians are using the
Bible as a device of convenience. By this I
mean, application of God’s precepts for liv-
ing as a Christian are only used when they
are convenient for our lives and favorable for
our desires. Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of the
Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia,
says that, “the Christian life is not just about
getting to heaven in the future. It is also, in
the present, about growing more and more
into the likeness of Jesus Christ. A crucial
means of this growth is regularly reading the
Bible with a view to living out what it says—
that is, applying it.” To assist believers in be-
ing successful with applying God’s Word to
their lives daily, church congregations must
be given a comprehensive, biblical under-
standing of the faith. This is accomplished
through the teaching and preaching of the
Word of God. David, in Psalms 119 says,
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are
those who keep his testimonies, who seek
him with their whole heart, who also do no
wrong, but walk in his ways!” (Psalm 119:1-
3 ESV). Wait! So, going to church and just
having a good time and a preached word
that entertains is not what being a Christian
is all about? Absolutely Not! CHRISTIAN-
ITY IS ABOUT BEING MORE LIKE JE-
SUS! The Bible is clear as to how it defines
being “blessed.” Being blessed comes from
VENGEANCE
An example of conveniently applying God’s
Word is in the area of vengeance. Often
when we have been wronged, our flesh cries
out for satisfaction. We feel that gratifica-
tion comes when we execute revenge on the
people who have done us wrong. However,
God’s Word teaches the Christian that we
are to, “repay no one evil for evil, but give
thought to do what is honorable in the sight
of all. If possible, so far as it depends on
you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath
of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine,
I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:17-
19 ESV). There are many who hold grudges
and feel that the offense justifies this prac-
tice. As a Christian we are told to, “forgive,
if you have anything against anyone, so that
your Father also who is in heaven may for-
give your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25).
CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Another glaring area of convenience is when
it comes to leaders, especially those within
the Body of Christ. We have witnessed how
Christian leaders are disrespected when we
don’t like them or when they are disagree-
able with us. Christians are not taught to
show respect or pray for our leaders only
when they are agreeable or when they make
decisions that line up with our desires. On
the contrary, the Word teaches Christians to,
“respect those who labor among you and are
over you in the Lord and admonish you, and
to esteem them very highly in love because
of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV).
JUDGEMENT
Unfortunately, there are times when Chris-
tians fail, judge each other and selectively
apply God’s Word in a manner we choose.
However, the word teaches, “Be merciful,
just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge,
and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and
you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be giv-
en to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over, will be
poured into your lap. For with the measure
you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke
6:36-38 NIV).
These are just some precepts that believ-
ers are taught. The Word explicitly says
that God has commanded His, “precepts to
be kept diligently.” (Psalm 119:4 ESV). At
times, this type of Christian “convenience”
happens when only portions of God’s Word
are known. To counter this erroneous be-
havior, we turn again to the Word and it tells
us that we must have our eyes fixed on all of
His commandments and meditate on His
precepts (Psalm 119:6, 15 ESV). A means
of breaking free from conveniently using
God’s Word is by trusting in His Word. In the
119th Psalm, David expresses his belief that
the Scriptures are true (v.151). He believes
in them (v.66). He trusts in their reliability
(v.42). He states, “The sum of your word is
truth” (v.160). Christians must undertake
studying God’s Word. David (Psalms 119)
doesn’t just believe the Word, he is a student
of the Word. He learns it (v.73), he seeks
it (v.155), he has memorized it (v.153) and
regularly meditates on it. To combat using
God’s Word conveniently, trusting His Word
and studying it, Christians must lean on the
Word and find delight in it. We see from Da-
vid that the Word of God must be