In the name of... (2)

"All the day they twist my words." Psalm 56. 5

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24. 35

In the name of respect for the law, established order, traditions, in the name of environmental protection, heritage, in the name of so many other principles that are current in the world and appear to be just or legitimate, one can very easily justify immobilism, laziness or conformism. When used outside of their field of application, the best principles can become very dangerous and serve as a pretext for selfish or partisan behavior. To entrench itself behind the latest slogan in fashion allows, without attracting attention, to satisfy in reality covets or personal conveniences.

What is practiced in the world can, in another form, be seen also among Christians. A verse of the Word, taken alone and out of context, can lead to serious errors and serve as an argument to justify attitudes or affirmations opposed to the general teaching of this same Word. Let us not forget that the word of God is complete and self-explanatory. It never contradicts itself. Do not lower it down to a code that we would have extracted the items that would suit us and rejected the others. This would be a very insidious way of twisting the Scriptures to make them coincide with our own thoughts.

We also read that the word of God is "living and permanent" (1 Pet. 1:23). It is not inert or frozen, but it responds specifically to the different needs of all ages. Like all that is alive, it can be renewed and multiplied without losing either its identity (the truth) or its permanence. Under no circumstances can it be applied blindly, rigidly or legalistically. Consulted and interpreted under the guidance of the Spirit, it responds to all our circumstances. David, for example, received different answers in apparently similar situations (2 Sam. 5: 17-25).

The only intellectual knowledge of the Word is of no help. It may even lead us astray, or even make us fall into the trap of spiritual pride. Let us therefore remember that if the letter kills and the knowledge swells, the Spirit vivifies and the love builds up (2 Cor 3: 6 and 1 Cor 8: 1).

Source (To pleasing the Lord)