Life is Not a Series of Quotations

Greetings,

Life is not a series of quotations, but experiences, hope, and trust in God. A quote is a summation of another person's thoughts, actions, and speech. So, if you presume to live your life through quotations, then be prepared to live by another person's experiences. Now don't get me wrong, I love quotes in their purpose to serve, which is to add insight and knowledge to what is already known. This thought was borne out of a conversation I had with someone recently. The understanding is that many in the church body inclusive live lives hyped up on (one)scripture without benefiting from the context of the scripture's entire focus. And many view the Word of God as quotes, all fair, but quotes limit one's focus.

Life is not a series of quotations, through which one passes through and chooses which one suits one's circumstances for that day. The Bible expresses in Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding and put another way: New King James Version Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

My point is further undergirded by the performance of 2 Timothy 2:15 in which the Apostle Paul says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy, 2: 15, King James Version). 

Life is not a series of quotations, but our lives are in God, leading us beyond the quotes written to soothe your thoughts. God's word supersedes the quotes of life that only have the power to express the change for that time. God's words are written to change the direction of thoughts and actions for a lifetime. The Word of God gives a good illustration of how mankind views himself concerning eternal life and fleeting life in evaluating yourself. And then you do something about what you see. The Bible says that God's Word is like a mirror: "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1:23-24 NIV). 

Summarily, my objective is to move individuals from Bible-believing, scripture quoting, hard-pressed believers. God desires that each of his believers not only quote His Word but live His Word eternally.

Blessed Peace,

Minister Sylvia Joyner