Scripture

NOV. 9, 1980, 6:46 AM
W. WILLOW, STUDY

Beside you are two versions of My Scriptures, and “behind you” is an evening of discussion-study involving the Gospel of Matthew. You had certain thoughts and certain things to say about this experience, so, naturally, hear some comments from Me on a warm, foggy morn.

I say again that these Scriptures, contained in the Holy Bible, are the most special of writings. You can be a servant of Mine without knowing about them, and you can be a servant of Mine without reading them because of some poor introduction to them, or bad experience therewith. But if you have read and studied them profitably and heard them preached, as is the case with you, then you MUST continue to read them. No matter what you think as you read and study, you must continue to do this, with Me as your guide.

In relation to the matter of criticism and cultural and background knowledge of the Scriptures you were both right and not right. You take the position that the Scriptures can speak to you… to anyone… directly, at this time and in this culture, whether you know the background or not. You are right, and I urge you to continue this perspective on Scripture. It is the best one for you, and is the one to bring the most value for you. Make it part of your Spiritual Story, and make it as a testimony to others. At the same time those who read and analyze the Scriptures with background and critical knowledge also are right. They should not do it your way and should not cease their scholarship. They have another way, and they are as right as you are.

The critical matter is the condition of spirit, both in the reading and in the sharing. However a person reads the Scriptures it should be with an open, expectant heart and spirit, calling upon Me for help in understanding. The wrong way is to study with self-righteousness and with contempt for the way of another. Appreciate the other ways. Love those who proceed differently from you, and gain in ways you do not. Hear them. Yet, with a sharing spirit, tell how it is with you, for those with more knowledge must also avoid pride and a sense of being right. They must love the one who seems to make what they do unimportant. If the concern is for the other rather than for self, the exact form of rightness is unimportant.

The Scriptures should bring forth love, admiration, and resolve to live more closely to My Way… and, importantly, commitment to Me. It is sad when the Scriptures bring forth acrimony, jealousy, and strife… and a loosening of commitment to Me. It is a matter of spirit, and specific sessions may be those of testing, so be aware of how you are reacting in any situation involving Scripture. It is folly to be right and consider others wrong.

You commented on the clarity of these teachings of Mine to you in contrast to the obscurity of some Scripture and of some of the messages I send through Mabel. Yours are, first and foremost, for you, given in a way you can understand. You have found that some others understand, profit from, and enjoy them, too, but, remember… these are people of like mind and spirit to you. Others will scoff and reject, and may be right… depending upon spirit.

Each Gospel was written for a particular group of people at a particular time. Paul wrote his letters, sometimes to particular individuals in a church. The marvelous aspect of these Writings is their capacity to be relevant, uplifting, and instructive to people today, in the widest variety of life positions.

The Scriptures are My solid base. From them I teach… for different times, lifestyles and duties. I am the Teaching Spirit of the One God Almighty, who has more names than any one can imagine. No name is perfect nor is one My favorite. It is the spirit with which a name is used that is of most importance. Study My Scriptures and carry out this meditation. Hear My Words in both ways. In fact, I shall give you some commentary on Scripture that you read and study carefully. That can help you appreciate its many values.

Never despair over the Scriptures. Hear what they say to you. Return to them with open and expectant spirit… a phrase worth repeating.

Shalom
7:40 AM