There is Therefore....

So often we repeat ideas and phrases without proper context. Too often we take ideas out of context. Just a passing glance at the things often quoted become talking point often out of context. Too often we repeat things that can be categorized as gossip, reserved for tabloids. When we miss the context of a statement or idea, we run dangerously close to falsehood and lies.

Jesus understood this, even as He was in the wilderness being tempted, He challenged the context of what Satan told Him. Just as Satan quoted scripture, Jesus understood the context and meaning of the sacred Word. The half-truth by Satan were not in proper context. Jesus often answered Satan’s attacks with the Truth of His Word! 

Often we read the Bible and come across the word, therefore. I was always told that when we read this word we have to understand the context of what preceded the passage.  This word, therefore is listed over 175 times throughout the Bible, often reinforcing sound doctrine and precepts. The Word of God is packed with promises and precepts! If we don’t know or understand the context of God’s goodness, we cannot know the back story. We can too easily miss the reason for the rest of what He says.

Don’t know if you’ve ever done a search in your Bible for the word therefore but I highly recommend it because it is ripe with truth in context. The inspired word of God is thorough and complete, especially when we read the whole of the Truth. Even my own faith is subject to the therefore’s of scripture. I continue to grow in that faith but not of myself but especially because of God’s Word lived out in my life.

Scripture is not intended to be a weapon of which we criticize others but a tool but carefully crafts my own heart and will. Remember the old adage, “when you point a finger there are other fingers pointing back at you?“ Too often the problem is that we take scripture out of context in order to criticize someone else while ignoring the send it in our own lives.  In a published editorial on the question, what is wrong with the world, C.K. Chesterton responded to the editors, “Dear Editors, I am!” When we remove God, the context that matters has lost its meaning. 

My friend, John who is a Wycliffe Translator Associates shared that trust he is necessary in all relationships. In a recent devotional he said, “When we don’t trust, we don’t share our heart.“ trust is built on a context of relationship in love of which God desires both.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. II John 1:6 NKJV

I wonder what it would be like to live my Christian faith in proper context to the therefore statements of scripture.