Bible Reading as Idolatry

I love God’s Word. I might even love God’s Word more than I love other people. After all, I’m going to do what God’s Word says rather than what others tell me to do. But, there’s a line we can cross when it comes to loving God’s Word – Can we love God’s Word more than we actually love God? We can learn His commands, yet not obey them. We can recite obscure nuances of Scripture from memory, yet do we go to those lengths to help other people? Yes, we should turn to God’s Word for comfort. But, more importantly, we should turn to God. We should delight in helping others discover the truth of God’s Word. We should be challenged by the deeper meaning of Scripture – not secretive, hidden meanings – but truths applied and lived out in our daily lives. The Word of God is active, not passive. Our worship belongs to God, not to His Word

Allen White's convicting assessment was a timely reminder this week as I have reflected on how often in my own life the pursuit of scripture has not necessarily permeated the interior life. It is here that the power of the Holy Spirit is so vital. Without Him present there can be no change. Perhaps the approach then is not to invent techniques to get round this idolatry but to bow wholeheartedly before God and plead for His Holy Spirit to visit our hearts as a mighty rushing wind! We need more than a broom, we need Him who "rides above the whirlwind and the storm".

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