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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Repeated events involving the real and at times imagined desecration of the Muslim holy book make for big news around the world. Predictably, violent acts erupt among adherents of the Quran in response to these supposed slights. Attempting to explain the shock and anger expressed by those brandishing their holy “scriptures” in one hand and a gun in the other, one Muslim leader asserted that we Americans don’t understand the importance accorded these writings; that they whole-heartedly believe them to be God’s word – whereas we Christians don’t necessarily believe the Bible to be such.
My first reaction to this comment was indignation. But on further reflection, I had to admit that for the most part, he was right. Most Americans certainly don’t believe the Bible to be God’s inerrant word. Many Christians aren’t sure if it is and set up their own belief system whereby they pick and choose what they prefer to believe and live by.
It’s intriguing that followers of Moses, Christ and Mohammed share as a basic tenet of their faiths the singularity of God, expressed as, “The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” Deuteronomy 6:4; a belief that there is only one true God ( Jeremiah 10:10, Zechariah 14:9) and as such our allegiance should be given exclusively to him. All three would presumably agree that the greatest commandment is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” ( Deuteronomy 6:25; Matthew 22:37 & Mark 12:30) Most would even agree – except for the more radical elements – that the logical result of the Law and the proclamation of the Prophets would be for believers to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18 & 34The more selfless would take this precept even further and embrace their enemies with respect if not outright love. (The Christian faith actually incorporates this concept, at Christ’s behest, in their belief system. See Matthew 5:9 & 44, Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:9-21) In fact, Jesus declared, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 However poorly this may actually be lived out by some, it is none-the-less a foundational tenet of the Christian faith. Jesus further stating that, “All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – absolute love of God creating the ability for love or our fellowmen – “There is no commandment greater than these.” Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:29-31
And yet, it’s not enough to merely use a religious symbol or standard to identify us as a people. Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel – because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 Not a means of forced conversion of a conquered people or a way to influence and intimidate people to conform to a desired behavior; but the power of God to work in people’s lives, fostering right thinking and righteous lifestyles. ( 1 Corinthians 1:18) A good principle to apply to any belief system being, “…wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19
Our desire should be that everyone would know, “…the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom (he) sent.”, and thus receive eternal life. John 17:3 (See also 1 John 5:20) “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men…” 1 Timothy 2:5 “…because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14
The next question being: Do you believe that? I mean really believe that! Is a relationship with the God who initiated contact with mankind as a result of his great love for us the single most important pursuit in your life? If so, wouldn’t his word be of paramount importance to you? I don’t believe our Bible needs to be enshrined in a place of honor so elevated that it would run the risk of being inaccessible and lack usefulness except as an icon of spirituality. Christ came as the exact representation of God’s being and glory ( Hebrews 1:3), revealed as God’s word ( John 1:1,2 & 14), so that he/it could be seen, heard and handled intimately. John explaining, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us.” 1 John 1:1-3 (See also Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-3 & 1 Corinthians 15:3-8) That word, presented to us in the Bible, is meant to bring us to a saving knowledge of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and our responsibilities as a consequence of salvation. As such, it deserves at least a modicum of respect and reverence – obedience – as his revelation and will for our lives. ( Matthew 7:21!)
Maybe the real desecration of God’s word is the scant attention we pay it in our daily lives. (Although I don’t approve of the disrespect shown the Quran or their destruction of copies of the Bible) Despite the proliferation of Bibles and Biblical material in our society, we know little of the essence of its teaching and are thus casual in our approach to its application in our lives; having become accustomed to His presence, finding comfort in His love yet taking His mercy for granted. According so little respect to our own faith, we have none for the faith of others. (Or conversely, show it more respect than it deserves.) David addressed this issue by asking, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Answering, “By living according to (God’s) word.” How did he discern what that was? “I seek you with all my heart; (so that I will) not stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11Paul declaring that, “…the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, …it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12; becoming “…a lamp to (our) feet and a light for (our) path.” Psalm 119:105; encouraging us to, “not merely listen to the word… (But to) Do what it says.” James 1:22
This then will create in us the desire to do our best to present ourselves to God (NIV), through study of His word (KJ), as one approved – a workman who does not need to be ashamed – who brings no shame to himself or his faith by correctly handling the word of truth. ( 2 Timothy 2:15)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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