Shocked By The Bible

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

A professor at a major university asked her class to write a short essay on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). At first, she was shocked at her students’ responses: “a hoax . . . strict . . . no fun . . . perfectionism . . . extreme, stupid, unhuman.” Then it dawned on her: this is how Jesus’ original audience responded! The Bible is offensive. God’s perspective on life is a wake-up call to those familiar only with the world’s ways.

When Jesus says calling your brother a fool is as serious as murder and lusting is equal to adultery, do His statements seem narrow-minded? It’s easy to get comfortable with the routines of Christianity—going to church and Sunday school, serving on a committee, giving of our money, helping a neighbor—without continuing to grow in a deep understanding of God’s character through studying His Word.

If you are no longer “shocked” by what God expects and requires, it may be because you have stopped delving into the details. There is no substitute for reading the Bible when it comes to learning to think God’s thoughts after Him.

To avoid shock when reading the Bible, read it more, not less!