I know that using people is wrong. I love people – I don’t use them. Basic idea, right?
Right.
But what about my relationship with God? What about when I read the Bible – His Words. Am I loving His Words or am I using them to get something I want?
Here’s a simple way to approach my time in the Word, even my moments listening to a sermon or Bible study teaching.
I came across this little scripture card while I was reorganizing my desk the other day…pretty, encouraging, a great reminder… “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Wanting to be sure I was loving God, loving His Word – not just using Him – I opened my Bible. I read the verse – the entire verse – thought about it, thanked Him for this reminder, and let myself feel the reality of the hope, joy, and peace I have in me as I continued to clean.
You can do this as well. It’s simple, and it goes back to the idea of reading the Bible with love and respect and avoid using God and His word for your own purposes. We know that we shouldn’t use people, so how much more should we be careful not to “use” God or His Word.
How can we be careful? Try this… C.T.A. In business this stands for “call to action” but when I read the Bible it stands for: Context, Truth, Action. When you’re reading the Bible, listening to a sermon, hearing a podcast or Bible study message try using CTA and ask:
What’s the context of this verse?
What’s the truth about God?
What action do I take in heart, mind, soul, and strength – literal movement (strength) of my hands, feet, mouth?
CONTEXT: What’s the context of this verse? I read the verses before and after this, but I also think about the nature of the book of the Bible this verse is in. The scripture card is a verse from a letter Paul wrote to a church in Rome. In this part of his letter, he’s reminding them of believing in Jesus for who He is. “There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” It’s all about Jesus! Jesus is the “root of Jesse” the One who rose up “to rule over the Gentiles” and He’s the one that gives me hope because I’m a Gentile! That’s awesome!
TRUTH: What truth do I see about God here? God is able and willing to give me what I truly need – joy, peace, hope – and I can have this when I believe and trust in Jesus – the root of Jesse, the One who rose up, the One who fulfilled the prophesies!
ACTION: I can and should trust in Him.
Use the CTA questions: “What’s the context, truth, and action?” It’s as a simple way to remember how to lovingly approach God’s Word in a way that honors Him and doesn’t use Him to get what you want in that moment.
This pretty little scripture card weighs less than an ounce but is heavier than the entire desk I found it in. It is weighted with the truth of God’s Word because I know what its significance. It is heavy with God’s promises fulfilled, my hope being sure, and my life in balance knowing my faith is not wishful thinking but anchored in truth.
This is me not “using” God but loving and appreciating Him. This is me having a healthy, honoring, engaging relationship with Jesus through His Word and the Holy Spirit in me.
Using God – like using people – is manipulative, dishonoring, and destructive. Ultimately, the relationship will break down. It’s not sustainable.
Loving God – like loving people – is worthwhile, honoring, and uplifting. Ultimately it will help me grow and lead to lasting joy and hope.
Listen to the podcast: “Am I Using or Loving God?”
Join me weekdays for the Dwelling Richly podcast. This summer (May-August 2024) you’ll find me teaching through a series on how to dwell well in the Word. Reading the Bible and really growing in your faith. It’s ten minutes, three days a week, and you can find the podcast anywhere you like to listen – YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and more.
Leave a comment, say hi, and share this post. I hope you enjoyed this and found it practical and helpful in your faith. Thanks for sharing.
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