The Real Critic

 "It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." 
Hebrews 4:12b (NIV)

I attended classes at a very liberal college and a very liberal seminary. For years, I had to endure criticism of the Bible from professors convinced they were smarter than the Book they were dismissing.

But the Bible works whether you’re a critic or not.

That word "judges" in Hebrews 4:12 is the Greek word kritikos, the very root of our English word "critic." Most people think they get to review the Bible. But this book isn't waiting for your review. It is already reviewing you.

This book can tell you not only what you do. It can tell you why you do it. It is a light that pierces the darkest heart, a knife that cuts the hardest heart, and a fire that melts the coldest heart.

Someone who reads the Bible four or more times a week is 59% less likely to view pornography, 30% less likely to be lonely, and 231% more likely to disciple others. 

So let me ask you a few questions. How much time did you spend reading the Bible this past week, not devotionals about the Bible, but the Bible itself? If you were locked in a prison cell tonight, how many verses could you recall from memory to steady your soul? If a friend came to you in crisis, would you know where to take them in God's Word?

This Book changes what you do by getting underneath everything else. So open it. Read it this week for four days in a row, and let it read you back. And whatever surfaces, God can heal.

Prayer: Father, I've spent more time critiquing Your Word than letting it critique me. Today I'm putting myself under it instead of over it. Show me what's true about my motives, not just my actions, and heal what You find there. In Jesus' Name, Amen.