The Bible is Not a Menu!

The Bible is not a menu from which we can pick and choose what we want to eat. The whole book is meant for our consumption, even if some of it gives us indigestion. We can't decide to follow some rules and ignore others. God did not give us these rules to be harsh, or to take away our fun. He gave us these rules for our protection, because He loves us, and wants us to be with Him.

We can't just say "Well, this verse doesn't fit with my personal beliefs, so I'll just ignore it." Our beliefs should change if we read something in God's Word that contradicts them. We should learn and grow and change so that we can be close to Him.

Just because we think one sin is less than another, doesn't make it true. We may commit one sin and think "Oh, at least it's not murder," but no sin can enter heaven. We must not consider one sin less than another, and we must ask forgiveness for all sins, no matter how "small" or "inconsequential" they may seem to us.

It's important to read God's Word and absorb it - all of it. That way when Satan tries to tempt us with pretty lies, we will recognize them for what they are, and be able to resist.

Now, remember that when Jesus came to earth the first time, he fulfilled the Old Testament, and that's why we no longer have to make animal sacrifices and such. The lessons and teachings of the Old Testament should not be discarded or disregarded, however.

It's also important to read scripture in context. Now, the Bible can be quoted and misquoted scripture by scripture for teaching, rebuking, correcting, etc. But it's important for us to know the context in which the scripture we're reading is used. After all, though you can eat just a slice of bread, and feel kind of full, it requires other elements to make a meal - and it tastes better too!

For example, I can quote this popular verse by itself.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Or I can go back to verse 20 and quote verses 20-23 together for a more complete picture.

"When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:20-23).

So, while some verses can be used by themselves (like the Proverbs), it is important to remember that we have to read them in context so that we aren't confused about the whole meaning, so that we don't mislead ourselves or someone else with a misinterpretation.

The Bible is not a menu.