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MeditationRead Jeremiah 31: 31-34 O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true. --2 Samuel 7:28 (NRSV) My dad has always been able to cut through trivial issues to the heart of a matter. Knowing how I love to backpack but concerned for my safety, he once asked, "Do you think that a lightweight nylon tent will protect you from animals?" I joked that it was rather like toddlers playing peek-a-boo, covering their eyes and declaring, "You can't see me!" But in fact a tent doesn't offer real protection from animals, merely the illusion of safety. Looking back, I realize that for many years I treated the Bible in much the same way, assuming that merely having one and occasionally reading it would guarantee my spiritual well-being. However, the story of King David caused me to re-evaluate my attitude. David professed his devotion to God, but his profession was severely compromised by his affair with Bathsheba. When his sin was revealed, David realized that he had displeased God so he repented (2 Sam. 11-12). Simply carrying a Bible or saying that I love it offers only an illusion of spiritual security. Real spiritual security comes from relationship with God, allowing the message of scripture to sink into our spirit to make us more like Christ. PRAYER Heavenly Father, may the sincerity of our obedience match the intensity of our professions of faith. Amen. Thought for the Day What we believe is revealed more through behavior than words. Thomas Dury (Colorado) Date: 11-26-2012
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