I recently heard someone say it was easy to identify the crazies—those who are so off the wall that it seems obvious to everyone that they are wrong. Then the person mentioned that it's hard to see it in ourselves. We may not be "radically" wrong, but we can be misguided in how we live our lives. Jesus said that he came to bring division (Luke 12:51), and the Scriptures divide (Hebrews 4:12). Though Jesus' truth can cause division among people, what we truly need is the Word of God to separate us from sin, erroneous doctrines, pride, and selfishness.
We require the Word of God to divide us more internally than externally. It is easy to use the Bible to create division among people, and some division is necessary. However, the problem arises when we use the Bible primarily as a tool to separate people rather than to distinguish what is wrong in us from what is godly. We need the Bible to help us break free from bad habits and erroneous thinking.
We need it to effect genuine change in us. This is the purpose of the Bible, but it won't fulfill that purpose if we don't engage with it properly and consistently. I can have a great diet plan, but if I don't adhere to it correctly, it won't be effective. I can be given a new computer program, but if I don't learn how to use it properly, it may ultimately cause more problems. The truth is, if the Bible isn't utilized regularly and appropriately, it can be more dangerous than not having it at all. It's like the old saying: a little knowledge or truth is a dangerous thing. A small amount of Biblical knowledge can be equally perilous.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to Bible application, but the Bible is meant for everyone. Discover what works for you and engage with it.
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