This post is not political, but I recently heard a United States Congressman quote scripture on the floor of the House of Representatives and it illustrated to me a very important spiritual pitfall. The scripture he quoted was an admonition for believers to care for the poor and needy. Ironically, the rest of his speech dealt with how government and not individuals should be responsible for the care of those in need. While listening to his speech at least three verses of scripture came to my mind that he would never even whisper on the floor of the House of Representatives because they refute policies he supports and promotes. I will not name the Congressman because I think it has become standard practice for politicians to “cherry pick” Bible verses that support their views to give the impression that God is with them without bothering to tell the whole truth found in God’s word. It would not be fair to single him out when that spiritual pitfall is also found all around us – sadly, even in some churches.
St. Augustine wrote, “If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” Our opinions don’t matter. Only God and His word are of vital importance. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16) No wonder so many of us avoid studying all of scripture and instead concentrate only on those few verses that seem to validate our opinions and lifestyles. We don’t want to be corrected or admit being wrong. God knows what is wrong in our lives and if we let Him He will not only point to our faults but show us how to correct them through His word and His Spirit within us.
We have all heard people claim that their words have been taken “out of context”. Maybe you have also experienced that in your life. God rightfully makes that claim against us when we quote a verse without keeping it in the context of His entire message to us. Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life.” Lord, help us to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help us God.