IS HIS WORD REALLY A LAMP TO OUR PATHS?

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)

Invariably when working with an adult Bible study group and attempting to emphasize that a major purpose of the Bible is to be a guide for our Christian lives, I am often confronted by questions as how selected biblical accounts relate to this goal. For example, what about the Garden of Eden or the story of David and Goliath? At his point I do NOT attempt to delve into the possible theological significance of these accounts and readily admit some parts of the Bible are more concerned with revealing the nature of God than in providing everyday guideposts.

At this point I introduce a selection of Scripture from Ephesians 4: 25-32 which I have reproduced below:

Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT)

“So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. [26] And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.

[28] If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work and then give generously to others in need. [29] Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

[30] And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

[31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

After reading through it, we work together to develop a chart in which we delineate the guidelines and try to translate how they apply to our everyday choices. A sample chart is reproduced below:

** Tell the truth or make misleading statements.

** Dealing with our anger or letting it ferment

within us.

** Be absolutely honest in our dealings or

in effect steal (from our government through

tax fraud or our employers by not rendering

full service in return for our wages or to

“take home” supplies or other materials).

** Be generous with others who are needy or

to keep everything for ourselves.

** Speak only what is helpful to others or

spread unhelpful words (criticism or gossip).

** Being kind and compassionate and forgiving or

harboring bitterness, anger, and resentment.

Most of the time jointly constructing a chart will result in the members of the group clearly seeing that the Bible does present clear potential guidelines for our present-day life. I suspect that these guides are often obscured because much biblical instruction is about rather than prompts to action and making clear choices that each believer is forced to make on a daily basis. If we truly want the Word to serve as a lamp, we must strive to develop appreciation for the Source of illumination but also in actually using Scripture to light our paths. Amen.