The Challenge of Being Biblical in All We Do
Over the last month, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to live a biblical life. And again, this morning, in the silence of a snowy trail, this question came to mind: Why is it so easy to be biblical when we want to prove a point, yet so hard to be biblical in everything we do?
We all do it—pulling out Scripture to strengthen our argument, affirm our perspective, or challenge someone else. But being biblical isn’t just about knowing the right verses; it’s about allowing Scripture to shape us completely. It’s one thing to use the Bible to back up a belief—it’s another thing entirely to let the Bible refine our hearts and transform our actions.
Jesus confronted this very issue in the religious leaders of His time. They were well-versed in the Scriptures, yet He exposed their hearts, showing them that knowing the law wasn’t the same as living it. He told them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-40). They had mastered the text, but they had missed the heart of God.
That same challenge still speaks to us today. If we only turn to Scripture when it supports what we already believe, we aren’t being truly biblical—we’re being selective. But a biblical life isn’t just about being right; it’s about being transformed. It means letting God's Word shape not only our theology but also our relationships, our integrity, and our character. It means examining our own hearts before pointing fingers. It means loving those who are difficult to love, forgiving when it feels undeserved, and pursuing justice with humility.
A biblical lens doesn’t just influence what we say; it transforms how we live. Instead of using Scripture to prove a point, we allow it to change us. Instead of applying it to others first, we let it work in us first. To be truly biblical is to submit to God’s truth in every area, not just where it’s comfortable. It means standing firm in God’s word, but also embodying His grace and love. It means pursuing holiness while also pursuing unity.
So the real question is not just Am I biblical? but Am I biblical in all that I do? Do I let the Bible shape my heart as much as my opinions? Do I live out the love and truth of Christ, even when it’s hard? This is the invitation before us—not just to use Scripture, but to be transformed by it. May we have the courage to live fully biblical lives, not just in what we say, but in who we are.