Our True Spiritual Guide

My life changed dramatically after my encounter with God.  I was fired up to grow spiritually.

After I graduated from college, a few months later, I thought, “Why not go to seminary?  Where better to learn?”  Big mistake!

So I enrolled and traveled to Chicago in the fall.  And there for a semester in classes and discussion groups we spent hours debating the Bible and whether it could be relied on.

Not exactly what I had in mind.

It left me struggling with doubts and confusion to say the least.  I wondered about my spiritual experience, “Did I make this all up?  Am I delusional?  What happened to that warmth I felt?”

I finally realized I couldn’t stay and survive.   So I applied for an Intern Pastor position at a large evangelical church back home.

When I interviewed with the Senior Pastor one afternoon in his office we discussed my struggle with the Bible.

He gave me a book written by a successful pastor on the reasons he accepted the Bible as God’s word.

I read it and after more discussions I made a choice that though I didn’t understand it all I would accept it as God’s word and move forward.

I can say that was one of the turning points of my life.  Of course at times I’ve had questions and doubts.  But I choose to believe it.  So instead of spending energy trying to determine which parts I want to believe I spend it instead trying to understand.

And as much as anything else, that has paid off in a successful, blessed, happy life beyond what I ever dreamt.

Paul writes, “God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.”  (Ephesians 3:5 NLT)

He’s talking about spiritual mysteries. And he says they were revealed to apostles and prophets who recorded them for us.

We can choose to believe the Bible or wrestle with it.  Our choice will determine our trajectory.

What about you?  What difference has that choice made in your life?