Weekend Words

From Beside the Still Waters devotional...

The Bible GPS - Read Psalm 119:97-112

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16

We were riding towards Porcupine Flat, a beautiful remote meadow in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest, when Wade suddenly realized he had lost his battery-powered GPS device.  This gadget functioned as a compass, map, and guidance system all in one.  Because of relying solely on GPS, Wade had neglected to carefully observe the natural landmarks in the pine forest we were passing through.  The sun's position, wind direction, lay of the land, animal trails, water sources, and unusual rock and tree formations all told him nothing.  What now?

For Christians, Bible commentaries are like Wade's GPS in that they certainly have a legitimate place.  But unless used with discernment, both the GPS and commentaries can replace the truly reliable guidance systems that God has provided.  The Bible exhorts us, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).  Do we routinely turn to a commentary to see what man has to say about what God said, or do we pray for God's Spirit to open our understanding?

If we are careless about following God's instruction to diligently study His Word and seek His will, we can ultimately be deceived to the point that we replace the teachings of God with the teachings of men.  May this never happen to any of us.  In the case of the lost GPS device, I had previously been to Porcupine Flat, so our journey there and back was uneventful except for one incident of note.  As we returned to camp, Wade suddenly spotted his GPS gadget along the trail.  Ironically, the battery was dead.

Pete Lewis - Halsey, OR