A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
by Given O. Blakely
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PERSPECTIVES WHEN STUDYING GOD'S WORD, #2
                  THINGS THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT
              
The Word of God is not a manual of human conduct
     To be sure, conduct is addressed in Scripture; but that is not its theme. If you read the Bible to
find out how you should live, you will surely find that information--but that is not the trunk of Scripture,
it is a branch! The problem with our fallen race is not that it does not know what to do, but that it is
"dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1-2). Changing your habits cannot correct that condition!
Scripture is not a primarily a solution to political chaos
     However dearly we may love our nation, it is not the focus of the Word of God! There are
practical observations there, as well as instruction, that applies to nations--but it is incidental to the real
message! If you read the Bible with your nation in mind, you are reading it for the wrong reason!
The Word of God is not a book of directions for domestic tranquility
     To have a happy home is good, but you can have such a home and still go to hell. Those that
MAJOR in the home cannot use the Bible as their textbook, because that is not its primary thrust! The
Bible deals with main things.
The Bible is not a means to achieve self esteem
     God's Word teaches more self-abasement than self esteem. It assumes that you find yourself in
God, as well as lose yourself in Christ. When you comprehend Scripture, you cease to be the center of
the universe. Then, the world no longer revolves around you.
God's Word is not given to provide a way to organizational excellence
     It is fine to have a smooth running organization, with efficiency and comradeship--but that is not
why the Bible was written! If you make an organization or institution your fundamental thrust, you will
place your Bible on the shelf. That simply is not the focus of its message. What is more, the Word of
God
cannot be used to promote institutionalism. It has utility only within the purpose of God as revealed in
 Jesus Christ. Those that use the Word of God to feed their soul do so because they know its value.
Those that neglect the Word do so because they do not know its value. Job once said, "I have not
departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my
necessary food" (Job 23:12). He spoke for the saints of all ages! It is more important to maintain a proper
spiritual diet than a fleshly one. 
(More on this subject Monday)
In joyful expectation of glory,
Given O. Blakely