Why do we still read the scriptures? What exactly are we looking for? It's not that we shouldn't read the Bible, but too often we look at the Bible for magical “instant answers,” seeking some greater revelation that will finally help us make sense of the world. Those unfamiliar with the scriptures, or those not properly grounded in them may experience some sort of epiphany, or even various points of epiphany as they come to a fuller knowledge of the Gospel. However, the ultimate theological revelation is simple; it's love. Love is the foundation of all things Christian.
Far too often love is not even a factor in the lives of Christians; it is not even considered. Like many conservative politicians, many Christians see God as someone who takes their side, guarantees their dreams, and protects them from bad things. In other words, God is a magic talisman or a good luck charm, or a genie. There is no sense of knowing God, no sense of relationship. It often boils down to a mathematical equation: if we follow the rules, God will give us good things like a nice house and money. Such people read the scriptures hoping to find the formula that will unlock the magic blessing of God. Is this completely foolish? Absolutely. Is it grounded in scripture? You bet.
While one can make a case for the magical mathematics of YHWH, one cannot make such a case when looking at Jesus. What do we have to do to live a godly life--the "life of the ages"? We must give away all we have to the poor. So much for faithfulness leading to wealth. What happens when we live faithfully? Well, Jesus was executed, and most of his original followers were murdered. What about Paul? Well, he experienced quite a bit of abuse. So much for righteousness guaranteeing our security. Paul's blessings were spiritual. He was at peace; he was content. His peace rested in the fact that he was loved by God, rather than the circumstances in which he found himself, which were not very pleasant. None of these people thought that faithfulness would bring them a hot wife, a nice home, or wealth. Yet they lived faithfully, regardless. But what does living faithfully mean?
Faithfulness is not a complicated subject, at least in a general sense. We are to love God and neighbors. What does it mean to love God? Well, since God is not tangible, the way that we love God is by loving our neighbors. This is a double reinforcement. Those who want to love God but not other people don't have the luxury. Loving God is directly tied to loving our neighbors. This means that faithfulness is relational; it is not a one man play, but something we act out in concert with others. This is why John Wesley believed that Christian Perfection is realized through the practice of perfect love. When we fully love others, we are faithful to the way of Christ and the commands of God. To love others means to take their interests seriously and to work for their good, their benefit. To be righteous is to act in such a way so as to benefit others. This is the entire direction of the Christian life.
It is not single scriptures divorced from history that will save us from the various bits of stress and pain that we experience. Rather, it is a life grounded in the love of God through Christ that empowers us to persevere amidst trials and suffering. No single scripture will save us, but the love of God will.
