THE BIBLE AS COMPARED TO A CONSTITUTION.

 THE BIBLE AS COMPARED TO A CONSTITUTION.

The Bible is God's Word to us. It reveals what we should believe, what we should do, how we should love God and others, and the general attitude and conduct we should demonstrate throughout our lives.

The Bible can be compared to a constitution. A constitution provides the framework for governing a nation. It defines institutions, responsibilities, rights, obligations, the principles that should guide leadership, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience to its provisions. However, a constitution is not meant merely to be read, explained, memorized or taught. It is meant to be implemented and lived out. The same is true of the Bible: it must be taught, understood and put into practice.

Consider what would happen if the only thing a country did with its constitution was to teach its citizens about its provisions without implementing them.

People would be taught that elections must be held every five years, but no elections would take place. They would learn that there should be security agencies, but none would be established. There would be provisions for a Judiciary, an Executive and a Parliament, but these institutions would not be established or allowed to perform their responsibilities. There would be provisions for schools, hospitals and human rights, but none of these would be translated into reality.

Imagine a nation where its citizens know almost every detail of their constitution, yet its provisions are not reflected in the way the country is governed or in the services and protection people receive. Such a nation would not achieve the purposes for which its constitution was established.

Although no country achieves perfect implementation of its constitution, the closer a nation comes to implementing its constitutional provisions in their entirety, the greater its potential to provide effective services, promote development, protect rights and reduce conflicts.

The same principle applies to the Bible.

Knowledge of God's Word is important, commendable and commanded. We must study, teach, understand and rightly interpret Scripture. However, biblical knowledge should never become an end in itself. Its ultimate purpose is to influence how we live.

The goal is to translate what we learn from Scripture into daily actions, decisions, relationships and responsibilities. It should help individuals and communities to live in ways that promote human dignity, compassion, justice, peace, unity and the general welfare of people. It should also strengthen our relationship with God, deepen our faith and help us find hope and strength during difficult times.

A Christian should not only be able to explain what the Bible says; they should also demonstrate through their conduct that they are living by what it says.

As James 1:22 reminds us:

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." 

Teachings and  leaders set prepare for WORKS of service:

Ephesians 4:11-12,16,25-32

[11]So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,

[12]to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

[16]From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

[25]Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

[26]“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

[27]and do not give the devil a foothold.

[28]Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

[29]Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

[30]And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

[31]Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

[32]Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Let us therefore go beyond knowing God's Word to putting it into practice. The true measure of our understanding should not be how much Scripture we can quote, but also how faithfully its teachings are reflected in our lives.

ELIJAH MUTUA KIRIMA

Pastor

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD