What are you known for?
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
John 5:39-40
Knowledge is a great thing.
We often use books to gain that knowledge.
The Bible is our most valuable book.
Because of our studies of it, we often gain the reputation as “people of the Book.”
That’s not a bad reputation to have.
But wouldn’t a better one be “people of God”?
In my younger years, I thought only my religious tribe was a people of the Book. The “walking Bibles.”
I was wrong.
The more exposed I became to other believers in other churches, I discovered there were many who diligently studied the Bible. Many who quoted scriptures. Many who believed in God’s Word just as much as I did.
We didn’t agree on every interpretation, but we did have something in common—the thing that counts the most:
Jesus saves.
The Bible by itself is a story tale unless it’s backed up by the living, breathing Savior written about in its pages.
- Not church
- Not good works
- Not defined doctrines
Those are good things, important things, but unless they’re centered on Jesus, they’re garbage (Philippians 3:8).
He’s who I want to be identified with.
While I will continue studying my Bible—it teaches me truths about Jesus!—I don’t want my identity to stop with the Book.
I’d rather be known for who I worship than for what I know.
Don’t stop with the written word; you can’t have a relationship with a book.
Let the written word lead you to the Living Word. He’s the One who can love you. And whom you can love back.
A Being, not a book.
A Savior, not a system.
God’s people, not Bible people.
Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:10
* * *
Have you ever felt like you worshiped the Bible more than Jesus? What changed you?
revised for the archives
WOW, Lisa…that’s an eye opener for early on Monday morning! 🙂 I’m a lot like you…and the thing that changed me was visiting our daughter on the mission field. Seeing people of another culture meeting together in our daughter and son-in-law’s home, hungry to know Jesus, and with tears streaming down their faces as they thanked us for allowing our family to come to their country. They were hungry for God’s Word, but because it was where they heard, learned, and fell in love with Jesus. God changed me TOTALLY…my husband as well. It changed us to the point that we left the church we’d been attending and sought out a group of believers who weren’t “playing church”. Our lives have never been the same. Once again we are feeling a stirring deep within us, as we are exposed more and more to others who really “get it” about living out our faith. Right now we aren’t sure exactly where this is going to lead us, but we know He is faithful and He will send us wherever He desires. I have to say, Lisa, that He has used you more than you will ever realize to stir within me the desire to reach out to the hurting. And I love Him for putting you in front of me!
I appreciate you sharing what prompted the change for you, Dianna. It’s a moving story and one I’d love to sit down with you to hear more about! I love that God used the lives of the children to uproot the lives of the parents. We sometimes wrongly assume it has to always be the other way around, but God often works upside down, yes?
I so appreciate how much you’ve encouraged me, sweet friend. I love you lots.
I love this, Lisa. For too long we’ve been known for what we don’t like, won’t do, can’t stand. All negatives. And Christ has given us so many lavish blessings, so many wonderful opportunities to live for, such a bountiful wealth of love and truth to share!
Blessings on you and yours this week, my friend!
You’re so right, Linda. I’d much rather us be known for what we’re for instead of always what we’re against. I read this good post today somewhat along those lines…
10 things Christians should say more often
http://buff.ly/1gvgyFv
by Christian Piatt
Nice one, Lisa. Seeing all the people who knew the rules of the book yet didn’t follow them is what made me want to be different, more like He who calls us. Not saying I’ve got it all together, but true love starts in humility. “They will know you by the love you have for one another.” Actions speak louder than words…
None of us will ever have it all together, but realizing that will definitely keep us pointed in the right direction of humility. I appreciate at least getting to read the words about your actions, Floyd. I know you’re the real thing.
You’ve highlighted such an important point, Lisa. I don’t want to be known for just my knowledge but for my love for others and for my love for God. It’s no small task, but then we’ve got a great BIG God who is able to do the impossible in and through us. Also, I just love your words, “A Being, not a book. A Savior, not a system. God’s people, not Bible people.” I may just tweet that, giving you full credit of course!
You zeroed in on the main thing, Beth:
we’ve got a great BIG God who can do the impossible! Thanks for sharing the link on twitter. I appreciate your encouragement.
Can so relate to your words, my friend…as usual! 🙂
One day, the word came alive (rama) to me – not logos – just words written in a book. When those words came alive – it changed my relationship with the trinity. It changed my perception of who I was and who I am to Him. It changed how I walked my life in faith, too – and how I raise my boys and love my husband – because when those words came alive – so did my faith and my hope:) Wonderful thoughts for this Monday morning, Lisa:) Thank you!
Wow–would love to hear more about that day. Rama coming alive. Exciting! You know it’s true life when relationships and things in you change. Thanks for sharing this.
Lisa,
I am so grateful it is God’s mercy that makes us His people, and not our Bible knowledge, although I think studying the Bible is very important…it is that fine but important distinction you are making…thank you 🙂
I definitely agree with you: studying the Bible is important; it’s our primary means of learning about Jesus. And yes, it’s his mercy more than anything that matters to us. Thanks for pointing out that distinction, Dolly!
Hi Lisa! I am coming over from SDG.
The bible is the Word, and is holy. But you are so right to point out that it can only be holy by applying what is in there to everyday life. That’s why it’s there, after all. Not just a nice book to read, but a way of life, Christ’s way, to imitate.
I liked the Philippians you quoted. Center it all on Jesus. A beautiful, easy way to define how I should live my life!
Happy Monday 🙂
Ceil
“Not just a nice book to read, but a way of life, Christ’s way, to imitate.”
That’s it, Ceil!
Amen, Lisa. This is what God wants: relationship with us. We can memorize scripture until the cows come home and still not know Jesus. I’ve been guilty of that one. I want to be known as a woman of God. Yes, indeedy.
And you are known as a woman of God, Laura. I wish I could hang out with you in person; I’m sure you have a sweet and gentle spirit, yet full of conviction and power.
As a woman of God who truly, really, madly, deeply knows her Lord. Amen, Laura!
“Let the written word lead you to the Living Word.” Powerful piece and one that I am grateful to have read. I will do some absorbing of this over the day. I know this and want to live it.
Thanks so much for listening to the One Who gives us life, for writing these powerful words.
Caring through Christ, ~ ;omda
Thanks for your kind words, Linda. I want to live this out more too. I have to remind myself over and over that Who I know is more important than what I know.
I want to be known as a good lover.
A woman whose broken, blackened heart was made new to love God and others above self.
I want to live 1 Corinthians 13 so that others may know us and HIM by my love.
And love can be hard when we battle against our own flesh that so readily can cry me first.
Lord, keep working in my heart to make it more like yours for without love there is nothing.
Thanks Lisa for some thought provoking words. Blessings…
“so that others may know us and HIM by my love”
Yes, yes. Well put, Sheila. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.