A Bible Study Analogy - What if we drove our cars like we study our Bible

A Bible Study Analogy: What if we drove our cars like we study our Bible?

If we drove our cars like we studied the Bible, some people would never get out of the driveway at all. Of course, the shiny Lincoln is parked out front for everyone to see. There are even a number of different models parked along the street, sparkling in the sun, one for every type of driver. However, daily these wonderful machines merely sit, never accomplishing their purpose with all the time, energy and cost of building and buying the cars having no impact. For these people Bible study is neglected; Bibles sitting idle, mere decorations and show. The power intended to transform through Bible study disengaged, as the Bible becomes a whatnot instead of a tool for living and for understanding God.

Others would hire “professionals” to drive their car. After all, driving is best left to the experts, isn’t it? Blindly trusting someone else to get them where they want to go, they close their eyes and believe everything the driver does, going wherever the “expert” takes them. How many churches are filled with people who place all their faith in only what the pastor preaches (or, heaven forbid, what the TV preacher says) and never engage in Bible study themselves. They never grow to a place of feeding themselves; never discover that steak is better than milk. For them, Bible study is what others do.

In other homes, people would actually jump in the car and drive. However, because they only like certain neighborhoods, they always cruise in the same places. Around and around the block they go. Their life and perspective formed by the few familiar books and/or passages that they enjoy and that “speak” to them. Never willing to gain a full perspective, they desire to keep their world safe and to always “feel good.” Bible study for them is more about what they want to hear than what God wants to say. Like clichés, verses become platitudes and “easy answers.” Like the proverbial ostrich, they choose to ignore the difficult. Bible study is more about expressing how they feel than it is discovering what the text says.

However, some would launch out on their own true journey. Grabbing the wheel with both hands, they develop good driving techniques. Constantly alert, they note every detail along the way, analyzing the information and applying it continually. Rather than using *ONSTAR only in emergencies, they call the manufacturer often, seeking guidance and help. Stopping occasionally, they read what others have to say to be sure that they are gaining the most from the trip and are not lost in some strange place. They consult the “experts” for insight and validation rather than as absolute authorities. Around each bend, they experience the excitement of discovery. Breaking from the status quo, they experience transformation. These people view Bible study as an adventure. They interact with the text regularly. Along the way they observe the text diligently. From the parts they gain insight into what it means as a whole. As they understand the principles being taught from a passage, they apply these truths in ways that produce personal transformation and wisdom. Looking always to the Father, they gain insight from and about Him, becoming more like His Son every day. For them, Bible study is the means to living and to knowing and relating to God and others. What an exciting journey they enjoy, and how wonderful it is when they reach their final destination!

Submitted by Danny Parker

Last Updated: 11/30/2005