My son’s history teacher wanted to make his class as painless as possible for his students to learn. “Everything you need to know is in the outline!” He proclaimed, pointing to the projected outline. “I have students who have obviously went online and cut and paste very scholarly answers to some of my homework questions. That is very admirable…” he smiled, “But not correct.”

 

He once again pointed to the outline. “All the answers are here!”

 

The teacher wanted to make sure that his students did well in his class. But most importantly, he wanted to ensure that they remember at least a few key historical events. The class time would be spent discussing the events and applying the principles to current events.

 

More discussion and application and less memorization. That’s what I want! I immediately liked this teacher!

 

When one can apply learned principles to everyday life, it becomes much more meaningful and relevant. And there is nothing more relevant than the Bible. Finances, marriage, relationships? All of the answers are in the Bible! What about the use of the internet, nuclear weapons, and medical therapies. While these latter topics are not specifically addressed by name in the Bible, the principles by which we can make godly decisions about the use and implementation of these technologies are. For example, the use of the internet can bring a blessing and a curse for all users. It has streamlined so many activities in our life, such as shopping, business and banking transactions, and the dissemination of news and information. However, it has also served as a  source of fomenting strife and hatred through social media and has provided ready, covert, and inexpensive access to  gambling, poronography, and identify theft. These examples may appear black and white, but there are many shades of gray. The Bible gives us this direction.

 

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)

 

Jesus condensed the Bible’s teachings to these two great commandments. Think about it. If all of our decisions and actions are centered upon loving God and loving our neighbor, racial hatred, identity theft, and all sins would cease. Even gray areas of life such as the decision to chose one medical treatment over another would be answered by directly seeking God in prayer.

 

Do you need an outline for your life? God points us to the Bible. All the answers are here!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.