Journey of the Word

You know who I’m talking about. The ones who seem to always be talking about the Bible. And if you ask their opinion, their answer is always from the Bible. They become giddy over Bible studies, listen to Bible songs for hours on end, and have a radar for anything that remotely hints of Bible. “Bible Fanatics,” you might call them.

Yep, you nailed it. Guilty as charged {at least, I hope you think I’m one of “them”}. I rather prefer to be called a “Follower of Jesus.” Or maybe a “Lover of the Word.” Or perhaps, “Scripture-Saturated.” I pray to be those things, and I will wear those badges with humble gratitude. {And if I’m accused of being crazy about the Bible, I’ll take that, too.}

But life as a “Bible Fanatic” can be a little unnerving. People think you’re something special. Super-spiritual. All-so-wise-and-holy. They think you know it all. Or that you think you know it all. And all because the Bible spills out of every inch of you {a little odd that it’s a concern, because I thought that’s what we wanted it to do}.

And so you fight the urge to run and hide. To keep silent “this time.” To tone it down, take a chill pill, and move on with life. To speak – and live – like “normal” people do.

I say “fight the urge,” because those aren’t the proper responses.

May I offer 6 Important Responses for the Bible Fanatic? And let me tell you, I am 100% preaching to myself.

Admit Ignorance. Start your sentences with “I don’t know,” and use “perhaps” and “maybe” often. Speak only to those issues that you’ve given some considerable thought and to those passages that you’ve devoted significant study. And even when you think you know the answer, be gracious with your speech and readily admit the reality: You may have some opinions to share, but beyond quoting the Word itself, you really don’t know for sure.

Separate Fact from Opinion. Clearly differentiate between your thoughts and God’s. When you say “the Bible says,” or “God says,” quote him. When it’s not straight from his mouth, make it clear that you are now speaking your own mind on the matter. You may know the difference, but those listening need to know with whom they’re conversing. To argue with you is one thing. To argue with God is a whole other ballgame. Let’s not confuse the two.

Leave the Discussion Open-Ended. Which is to say, you don’t have to find the answer now. Today. Or anytime in the near future, for that matter. Be ready to walk away from a discussion with questions by the truckload and all of zero conclusions. It’s okay. As a matter of fact, welcome it. When your mind and heart are open, that’s when the Spirit speaks. When you think you know it all or have arrived at A or B, you have just shut out all other options, and nothing, not even the truth for which you are searching can penetrate. Because you “already know.”

Listen. It’s how we learn and grow, spur one another on, and refine our own understanding of Scripture. Listen with care and deep consideration to the questions and insights of others. Ask more than you answer. Stay away from dominating the conversation and hammering away at your point, causing others to feel excluded, belittled, or discouraged.

Be Silent. Okay, sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut. You don’t have to speak every time, even {or especially} when you disagree. Choose your battles-um-discussions carefully. Silence may often be the holiest and most effectual of choices.

Don’t Give Up. Keep at it, Bible Fanatic! Don’t let the gawks and nose-turns slow you down! There is great reward for those who choose to soak themselves in the Word even when no one else cares. As a Bible Fanatic, you can be sure your time is well-spent, your energies well-used, and your labor not in vain. Your mind is continually setting itself on the things of God, and your mouth is pouring out Words which are far better than your own. It’s a wonderful life, my friend.

And the best part is, you are on the mind-blowing, glorious journey to knowing God more.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a Bible Fanatic if it means I know God more. I want to be a Bible Fanatic if it means the Only Truth that can be known flows through me like the blood in my veins.

And in that case, I’ll gladly be a Bible Fanatic even if it means I’m the only one on the planet.

I only pray that, as the journey continues, eyes of skepticism or scorn begin to see not the Bible-Fanatic in me, but the Bible. Not me, but Jesus.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

 [image credit: pixabay.com & journeyoftheword.com]