Inside the Bible we observe several different types of writing. In some areas there are parables. Parables are typically short stories where we learn a lesson based on what was shared. For example, in the parable of the talents we may learn that it’s important to be a good steward of what God entrusts us. Whether it be money, time or literal talent, it’s all to be utilized ideally for the glory of God. There are also places in scripture where we can observe practical instruction. If we comb through Proverbs there is a lot of wisdom to be found. Some real examples in day to day living come up in regards to how we shouldn’t be captivated by lust. Instead we should flee youthful lusts. This sort of instruction leads us to potentially grow in Godly wisdom when we apply it to our lives.

One of the kinds of Biblical messages that are often misinterpreted by non-believers tends to be historical accounts. Instead of taking it at face value like a history book they incorrectly infer that God promotes the behavior in question. We who are believers know that this isn’t true, and furthermore, that often sinful behavior in scripture breeds its share of consequences. After all, we know God corrects those He loves. An example of this occurs in regard to the life of King Solomon and the cultural norms of his era. He had 1,000 wives and concubines, and yet we know that God designed marriage for monogamy. This recollection of events doesn’t imply that God is okay with anyone doing this. There are many instances of situations that occur historically in the scripture that aren’t designed to promote the decisions that were made. Surely we should understand that it’s therefore logical that there are lessons to be learned about humanity, and also that we may God willing learn from the mistakes of our forefathers before we partake in the same lapses of judgment in our lives.

Another scenario where some may misunderstand the Bible involves figures of speech. There is a verse that talks about how it’s easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to Heaven. This doesn’t mean that anyone above a certain net worth is destined to hell if they don’t give everything they own away and commit to a life of poverty. If God were to call someone to do this, I would hope that they would be willing, as I myself would hope I would be willing and able to do so. Yet we know that many of God’s children in scriptures were wealthy and didn’t necessarily violate God’s will in this area. We need to recognize that with God all things are possible, even the impossible like a camel getting through an eye of a needle. Certainly, we shouldn’t disregard what this statement implies. If we rely on earthly riches above God’s provision or we become lovers of money, we are committing grave sins. However, if we properly steward what God entrusts to us, I think it may even be a sin not to manage it properly in order to build wealth that can be used for God’s purposes in the long run.

When the Word of God speaks directly to it being better to enter Heaven maimed if our eyes or hands cause us to sin, doesn’t mean that God wants us to go chop a hand off or poke an eye out. He means that we need to consider the gravity of the sins we commit and how serious it is to violate His commands. I am certain we all have our own shares of strengths and weaknesses, but God helps us avert disaster. God provides tools to combat the enemy, and they are more than sufficient. If the Word goes as far as to mention these radical choices, we need to recognize that we should take into consideration that we should go great lengths to avoid sinful behavior of all kinds. I may not be led to poke my eye out to avoid lusting over a woman, but maybe I can take other measures in order to make sure I fight that sin. I shouldn’t cut my hand off because I stole something, but it could be prudent to avoid situations that would entice me to do so. If that means we need to pray more, worship more, or spend more time in God’s Word – those can be great adjustments. Perhaps we need to seek the accountability of a loved one who shares the same priorities we do to make the proper changes.

Whatever we can feasibly do, if we are still caught in the bottomless pit of our own sins, it means there is still room for improvement. These scripture means that we can make radical choices that may seem foolish to a non-believer in order to properly repent and get right with God. This is something I aspire to do to this day for some of my weaknesses and I think we should encourage one another in the faith to ultimately persevere in these issues. We can rely on Jesus Christ for His provision and simultaneously know in our hearts that our brothers and sisters are out there boldly fighting their own sets of battles. Any time you can throw in an assist to one of God’s children to better serve or obey Him is worth it.

Next time you crack open a Bible make sure to consider the purpose of the passages, when they occurred, how they can positively influence your life today, and what you can learn from them. There are times where speed reading is overrated and we just need to chew on a couple of scriptures for an extended time. Other times we might want to read more efficiently to cover more ground and try to grasp the bigger picture. Make sure that you at least find out, or explore outside resources from trustworthy men and women of God, to uncover what type of material it is you’re dealing with.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the kinds of writings featured in the Bible. I hope it provides you perspective and motivates you to dig deeper. Meanwhile, I want to encourage you to avoid the overcomplication of other passages that are as straightforward as reading a statement of fact. God willing we don’t make the mistake of starting to doubt scripture based on inaccurate assumptions. Instead, we should learn and equip ourselves to properly mine for the nuggets of wisdom provided in God’s Word. We can also learn from the successes and failures of those believers that came before us historically without assuming God approved of actions He clearly viewed as sin . May God bless you richly as you pursue to better understand His Word.

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