Ever tried to help a situation or someone out and ended up just getting in the way? Yep! On one hand it’s admirable, but it can also be a little arrogant. There are trained experts in many fields who don’t need me poking my nose into their business. For example: Who would want to board a plane where a passenger was telling the pilot where to go and how to fly? These control freaks, know-it-alls and ‘ne-er-do-wells’ are the worst passengers. But those who know their place and trust the experts are the easiest to deal with. God is the expert on life, and there is nothing we can add to what He has written. The fact is, His word is…
TO ADD TO US AND…
”Do not add to what I command you…” Deuteronomy 4:2a
We only add to what we think needs something - if it’s not deficient, nothing else would be needed. So why would anyone want to add to God’s Word? What could it be lacking? Could it be they want to insert their own ideas of what they want? And why would this be? Usually, it is to manipulate people, something God won’t do. The truth is, the Bible adds to us, not the other way around. We are deficient, God is not. We lack faith, hope, confidence, security, peace of mind and a clean heart. But when we put aside our own opinions and receive God’s Word, it will begin to add power to the things we lack - Faith, Hope and Love.
…SUBTRACT FROM US.
”Do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 4:2
Just as we add to things we think are needed, so too, we subtract the things we feel are unnecessary, unwarranted or unwanted. This is probably even more dangerous because of our intentions - to take out what we don’t like, exalting our opinions and feelings above God’s Word. People usually subtract from the Bible because of guilt, or they want to persist in a bad behavior. Clearly, there are things that we need to remove from our lives. Things like: hate; envy; anger; and judging. But in a good way, God’s Word also removes fears, doubts and anxieties.
”…What other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” Deuteronomy 4:8
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