Judging: Read Scripture with a Mirror

Last week, we began a look at reading scripture with a mirror, before we think about how it applies to someone else. Today let’s continue this idea of reading scripture with a mirror pointed right back at us.

As I asked last week, have you ever been reading the Bible and thought, “I wish he or she would read this – they need to hear this?” I have even contemplated strategically placing my Bible open to that passage, so he or she might see it. (And therefore fix themselves.)

Argh!

“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)

This is a great passage with which to beat people over the head, isn’t it? To teach them … how dumb they are, to rebuke them … about how misguided they are, to correct … their poor behavior, and to train them … to think and act like me.

But instead, the scriptures are useful for me to be taught, and for me to be rebuked, and for me to be corrected, and for me to be trained. If I walk away from reading the Bible and do not feel any of this, I am either reading too fast, or I am not serious about growing.

Or … I am stiff-necked and blind. 😊

Each time I open the Scriptures first thing in the morning, I first say, “Jesus, I do not want to just read this for the sake of reading it. I want to see you and meet you in these pages. Speak to me. Holy Spirit, please bring this to life, and please show me myself in what I am about to read.”

You see, I can easily read a chapter and not retain one bit of it. Apparently I can read while my mind is fixed on other things. What a talent! It reminds me of when my wife Dina says, “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said,” and I think to myself, “That is a strange way to start a conversation.”

If we use the Scriptures to judge others, we have completely missed the point, and obviously have missed the message. All Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Therefore all Scripture is speaking to us. I can be taught each morning, every time I open the Bible, if … if I have a teachable heart.

As you read the Bible, slow down.

Let me say it again, slow down.

Take regular deep breaths, speak to Jesus and your Heavenly Father as you read – not just before or after. Interact with them as you read. Bring them into the story. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clarity, and to open your heart to be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained in righteousness.

The Scriptures will come alive, and so will you.