Do You Love God, or Just His Word? A Theology for Everyday Life
By Alan Allegra | World-Today-News.com – October 26, 2023
(Image: A contemplative image of hands holding an open bible, bathed in soft light. Alt-text: the Bible as a pathway to understanding God.)
We all have a theology, whether we realize it or not.Theology isn’t just for academics; it’s simply the study of god and his relationship to the universe. As the late R.C.Sproul pointed out, anyone who considers God is, in effect, a theologian. And crucially, our understanding of God shapes our morals, ethics, and ultimately, how we live.
For years, I considered myself an “amateur theologian” – a passionate student of biblical theology, but lacking the professional credentials. My journey began not with faith, but with skepticism. Before finding faith in 1981, I dismissed the Bible as confusing and unbelievable. Yet, my exploration of different religions consistently led me back to its pages. I discovered, as Jesus himself saeid, that the Scriptures point to Him (John 5:39).
This discovery ignited a lifelong love for God’s Word, leading me to seminary and a commitment to teaching others. I’ve dedicated myself to understanding and sharing the truths within its pages, striving to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
But recently, a challenging idea struck me: can you love God’s Word without loving God?
It’s a painful question. We can intellectually affirm the Bible’s infallibility, marvel at its intricate details, and witness its transformative power in the lives of others.We can be awestruck by its revelations of God’s creative power, sovereignty, and the profound love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. But does that equate to a deep, personal love for the God who revealed Himself within those pages?
Think about it this way: the level of our engagement with a message is directly proportional to our affection for the sender. An email from the mechanic is quickly deleted. A note from a colleague receives temporary attention. But a message from a loved one – especially a spouse – is prioritized, cherished, and often re-read.
Do we approach the Bible with the same eagerness?
It’s a humbling self-assessment. Loving the idea of God, or the information about God, isn’t the same as loving God Himself. While we may strive to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30), the question remains: where do we stand on that spectrum?
This isn’t a call to abandon biblical study. It’s a call to deeper reflection. It’s a reminder that the Bible isn’t an end in itself, but a means to a relationship. It’s a challenge to move beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt connection with the God who invites us to know Him.
Alan Allegra is a freelance devotional and Bible study author, and L.I.F.E. Group Coordinator for First Baptist Church, Allentown. He and his wife, Lynda, reside in Hanover Township, Northampton.
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