The Power and Potential of Biblical Truth

The Bible is a book of truth, written by men as they were inspired by God. Rightly understood and divided, it has power and potential for our lives. In fact, it has unequally power and potential to affect our lives for good.

The power and potential of biblical truth is realized by acknowledging and obeying the commands of the Bible. The very first command that appears in the Bible is the command that God gave to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He commanded them not to partake of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:17) Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command and they died as God told them they would. Adam and Eve and the whole human race would be far better off if they had obeyed the biblical command.

The power and potential of biblical truth is realized by following the examples of scripture. Genesis 13 records the story of Abram, later Abraham, and Lot journeying together in the land of Canaan. Both of them were very successful to the point that the land would not support the livestock and families of both men. They decided to split up and go to separate territories. Abram gave Lot first choice of any territory he desired. Abram would take whatever was left after Lot made his choice. Genesis 13:10 says, "And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar." Lot's choice was based on economic considerations. Because the land was well-watered, he envisioned prosperity and success. Abram's choice was unselfish, giving preference to Lot. His choice was also based on faith. He trusted God to be his source of blessing and prosperity.

The power and potential of biblical truth is realized by following the principles of scripture. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus us gave us many biblical principles by which we should live. Among these He said we should be salt and light in the world in which we live. He also spoke about turning the other cheek when stroke by someone and going the extra mile when compelled to go one mile. Jesus was not telling us to allow others to abuse us or take advantage of us. Rather, He was telling us that participants in God's kingdom must live by higher principles than those that operate in the kingdoms of this world.

Think about a world in which we obeyed God's commands, followed the numerous examples given to us in scripture and lived our lives based on biblical principles. Yes, there is power and potential in living out biblical truth.