Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Shaping Up

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.
17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

How blessed we are to have Scripture that God uses to continue to speak to us. In it we see the unfolding of God’s revelation for us. We see the story of His love and provision for all mankind. I like the Message’s translation of verse 17. We are put together and shaped up in the collective, as well as the individual. Time spent in the Word does shape our thinking. As our attention and hearts are focused on God, the Holy Spirit is more able to be heard.

What a beautiful image, to be shaped to live in God’s way. Isn’t that what is referred to as putting on the mind of Christ? He was certainly equipped for every good work. He has given us what we need to shape up. It is up to us to make use of it.

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