goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

How To Approach Bible Reading

By Linda Tancs

The Bible is rich in precepts for daily living. So how do you go about harvesting that bounty? In the first instance, try not to focus on any particular order from which to read the Bible. Some will insist that the only appropriate way to approach biblical study is to start with Genesis and read all the way through to Revelation. Others might suggest beginning in the New Testament with John’s distinct Gospel and general orientation in the prologue (John 1:1) or with a synoptic gospel like Luke’s “orderly account” (Luke 1:3). Perhaps a better strategy is to approach the Bible with the goal of understanding its key themes, the main characters driving the narrative and the life lessons it presents. This strategy is consistent with a scholarly view that the Bible’s role is both to mediate God’s word of law and gospel and to serve as the fundamental source for shaping and maintaining Christian identity.

However, like any strategy, there are pitfalls or issues to keep in mind. First, a work such as the Bible written thousands of years ago presents obvious culture gaps—religious and social practices of Jews and early Christians that on the surface may not resonate in contemporary society. Nonetheless, history has a way of repeating itself, a fact masterfully executed by Luke in his Gospel by drawing parallels between the Old and New Testament. In this way, Luke emphasizes that God is always present—yesterday, today and forever—a key theme that drives our formation as Christians.

Likewise, biblical stories may comprise the reporting of actual events, historical fiction, parables (like 2 Samuel 12:1-6 in the Old Testament or Luke’s parables in chapter 15 in the New Testament) or an allegory like Isaiah 5:1-7. It may be tempting to get mired in identification of each account in the Bible or perhaps debate whether the account is real or historical fiction (such as occurs with the Book of Jonah). Regardless of the characterization of a biblical account, the most important point is that the truth about God and his relationship to His people can be conveyed through any type of literary device.

A third issue posed in Bible study involves translation and interpretation. As Nehemiah 8:8 (NRSV) states, “[T]hey read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation.” Indeed, the Bible is one of the most widely translated and interpreted works of all time, beginning with its rendering from Hebrew to Aramaic, the common language. In addition to that translation, the Bible has been translated into Greek by the Jews and into Latin by Christians. Today, at least 12 common English translations exist (from the King James Version to the New Living Translation), along with scores of amplified Bibles giving additional background and definition to terms used in the Bible. Eliminate confusion arising from the different translations and versions of the Word by remembering that translation is not an exact science; the translator’s point of view is likely to shape the translation. The humanity of Scripture is that it evidences the work of fallible humans pressed into service to reveal the Word of God. Your own personal interpretation will be informed by your religious heritage, education, ethnic background, life experiences, gender and opinions.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion

Don’t Feel Stuck

By Linda Tancs

Many folks are stuck in a job they despise for any number of reasons including economic need, fear or a perceived lack of transferable skills. If you can’t change jobs, then you must change your attitude. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) is a good place to start: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” After all, your skills and abilities are a gift from God. What you do with those assets is your gift to Him. When you perform your tasks without grumbling or arguing, you shine (Philippians 2:14-15). In other words, you demonstrate for others the value in work, and your positive attitude rewards not only yourself but those around you and gives glory to God.

So how do you put biblical injunctions like these into practice? Begin by asking yourself—what worked for me? Most people enjoy a honeymoon phase in the early stages of a job. What was it that made the job enjoyable or enticing in the first place? What has changed? Often this kind of introspection brings about a realization that it’s the de-motivating aspects of the job getting you down rather than the entire job. Try to find ways to tame the more unpleasant aspects of your employment. Understand first of all that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses; don’t resort to comparisons among people who might excel at what you detest (Galatians 6:4). If you’re able, reassign tasks, collaborate or find another position or department within the company where you can make the highest and best use of the skills you do have. After all, if you’re working at your highest level of motivation and efficiency, you’ll feel empowered rather than “stuck.”

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Only Way Out is Through

By Linda Tancs

British swallows spend their winter in South Africa after having traveled south through western France, across the Pyrenees, down eastern Spain into Morocco and then across the Sahara.

As often happens with life, we can learn many things by taking a look at the natural world. So what does the swallows’ journey show? In a nutshell, it’s that the only way out is through. The birds’ seasonal migration illustrates perseverance. They don’t avoid the route; they accept it—or risk their lot by staying put under conditions that foster the migration in the first place.

Humans, on the other hand, are hard-wired for shortcuts. It takes many forms. We call it the path of least resistance, the easy way out. It affects mental reasoning and even physical performance (think of all those keyboard shortcuts). What route in life are you avoiding, or attempting to short circuit? Maybe it’s a new business plan to replace the failing one. Or a new career trajectory to make better use of your skills and interests. Perhaps it’s a relocation or improved parent/child relationships.

Did Moses find a “workaround” to avoid leading the Israelites through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:15-22)? Did Joshua abandon the conquest of Canaan, which took years to complete (Joshua 11:18)?

Timing is everything. Getting through, rather than just getting by, takes patience. Even the swallows don’t fly non-stop. They pause to rest. It’s a matter of patient endurance, summed up nicely by John Greenleaf Whittier, a 19th century American poet, in his poem Don’t Quit:

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns

And many a failure comes about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out—

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell just how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—

It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Now get through it. What’s waiting for you on the other side?