I finally got this through my head when I read Jen Wilkin’s book, Women of the Word, which you can find here. I’m sure that I was taught that concept somewhere in my growing-up years, but it wasn’t until adulthood that I really grasped the concept that the Bible is not about me.
For so long, the Bible was a book of random stories that were strung together to help me feel better when I needed it or give me direction when I needed to make a decision. I honestly just thought that the Bible was a book that I could open up at random and find a snippet of encouragement to apply to my life. And then my eyes were opened.
Everything changed.
If the Bible really is a book about God, you’ll begin to know Him by reading the pages. Your time in Scripture won’t be searching for ways to better yourself or live your best life. You’ll begin to focus on who He is instead of what He can do for you. Suddenly, a verse like Psalm 46:1 that says,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,”
ceases to be a platitude and becomes the foundation for your faith. It becomes less about the idea that you can get help when you’re in trouble and more about God’s character – His strength, His omnipresence, and His protective nature.
Why is that important? I’m so glad you asked. When you understand that the Bible is a book about God, your focus changes from inward to upward and outward. You are able to recognize that you are a small part of a much greater story – a story about who God is and His plan to redeem the world. You’ll come to know a God who loves the whole world so much that He sent the very thing we need: a Savior.
Let’s do an experiment.
Have you been under the mistaken impression that the Bible is a book about you? I double-dog-dare you to grab a Bible or head over to biblegateway.com and read Romans 12:1-2.
First, read it as if it’s about you. Put yourself in a self-centered mindset and see what you can get out of it. You’ll probably be encouraged and you might even get a warm fuzzy. But something will be missing.
Then, shift your mindset to read this passage as if it is written to tell you something about God (because it is!). How is it different? What did you miss the first time, that you picked up on the second time?
Your last challenge? Comment below and share your thoughts! We’re building a great community here at The Strong Home and your contribution is encouraging to others here! And don’t forget to share this post on Facebook! We want to see The Strong Home grow!
So so good! I remember having this lightbulb moment as an adult too. I can’t remember where I read it, but the exhortation was to always first ask yourself: “what did the passage teach me about God?” So simple but so revolutionary!