Many restaurants offer buffets for Sunday brunch. Buffets are popular because diners can scan all the dishes offered and then “pick and choose” only the items which appeal to them.
Sadly, for far too many Christians, the picking and choosing on Sundays begins before lunchtime. Frequently, the picking and choosing begins in the pulpit. Admittedly, there are some topics in Scripture which are now very counter-cultural. And because we’ve been taught that the highest calling of Christians is “to be nice” and tolerant, it just seems best (or is it easiest) to simply avoid those topics altogether.
While such a tendency seems to be on the rise in Western cultures, it is far from new. In fact, God knew every generation would be tempted to play “Bible buffet.” So as He drew His Word to a close, He added this final reminder. In fact, there is only one verse in the entire Bible which comes after these words:
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)
Take the time to reread the passage. This time, notice the universal language used within it. The warning is to “everyone and anyone” who would attempt to add anything to God’s Word or take away anything from it. While certainly that warning includes later writers who would try to claim that their writings were also inspired, the more relevant warning is for today’s readers, teachers, and preachers.
The practical application of God’s last warning to His children is to take in, understand, and obey the totality of His instructions – even if doing so is difficult or unpopular. Remember, the saints of God are literally those who are “set apart” from their culture. Part of that separation is intended by God to result from us obeying all of His Word.
As my pastor recently stated, if we fail to consider the entire Word inspired, by default we have a Scripture that is only inspired in spots. Then we must hope that we are “inspired to spot those spots”! Let me remind you, you’re not that wise – neither am I! Therefore, it’s much better to consume what Scripture sets before us, instead of treating it as a buffet! –Dave
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