I’d like to begin a series of sorts called, “God’s Word Quotes.” This series will be exactly what it’s titled, it will be exploring and unpacking various quotes, from various sources, on God’s Word. This will be an equal opportunity series, meaning, God’s Word quotes will come from Catholic saints, Protestant ministers, former presidents, noted authors, and if one of my children have an awesome quote, maybe even them! I tell you that because if you’re not Catholic, please don’t be offended by a saint quote and if you’re not Protestant, please don’t be offended by a minister quote, and if you’re a Republican or Democrat, don’t be offended by a quote from the opposite party’s former President. The important thing in this series is to examine what others have said about the Word of God. It will be interesting to see if we agree with God’s Word quotes we read. A great idea would be to start a journal as we go through these quotes about God’s Word. Write the quote, any corresponding Bible verses and your own thoughts and reflections on the quotes.
God’s Word Quotes: Are You Ignorant?
The first quote today is one of the most well-known God’s Word quotes. This quote is from St. Jerome, a priest, confessor, theologian, and historian. According to Wikipedia, “He is best known for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin (the translation that became known as the Vulgate), and his commentaries on the Gospels. His list of writings is extensive.”
I’ve heard this quote about God’s Word as I’m sure you have. It wasn’t until the other day though that I stopped to consider it further. I have always understood this to mean if we didn’t know the Scriptures, we couldn’t know Christ. But when I searched the word “ignorance” on the Thesaurus, I was surprised at some of the synonyms: disregard, insensitivity, unawareness, unfamiliarity, and half-knowledge. I’ve always just considered this quote about God’s Word to represent the unfamiliar, half-knowledge, and even a sense of being unaware of God’s Word. But disregard and insensitivity? Those thoughts had not crossed my mind.
The Disregard of Scripture
Using a Thesaurus again I looked up the word disregard: ignore, apathy, disrespect, neglect, and scorn were just a few of the synonyms. Wow! Let’s plug some of those synonyms into our quote from St. Jerome about God’s Word.
Ignoring Scripture is ignoring Christ.
Apathy for Scripture is apathy for Christ.
Disrespect for Scripture is disrespect for Christ.
Neglect of Scripture is neglect of Christ.
I believe it’s interesting to note that synonyms for scorn include: contempt, mockery, and despisal.
These are not the words I would want to use to describe my lack of Scripture reading. I would never say I had a disrespect for Scripture or contempt for Christ. But just typing that out makes me pause to consider what words I would use? Too busy? Bored?
When I sit here and I think of these words and phrases it dawns on me, God didn’t just give me one or the other…Christ or the Scriptures. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I cannot know Christ without knowing the Scriptures, they are a package deal but even more so, one and the same.
Now before you get discouraged because you can’t devote large chunks of time to reading the Scriptures or have trouble remembering your children’s birthdates much less memorizing passages of Scripture, this is not a quantity test. Your knowledge of Christ and the Word of God is not based on the number of pages you read each day or the verses you have committed to heart. Rather, I believe your knowledge is based on commitment and desire.
Think of it this way, a few years ago, my husband was in El Paso for work for five months. During this time, we had a desire to remain committed to each other–I’m talking about adultery or infidelity concerns, I’m talking about maintaining an intimate relationship during a demanding time. We talked on the phone daily, even if only for a minute or two as he was on his way back to the hotel from work, and I was single parenting seven children with crazy soccer and work schedules. We chose not to ignore or neglect each other even though physically we were separated.
There were many times he would talk about his work and I honestly would have no idea what he was talking about, I didn’t understand him, but I continued the conversation. I use that example because how many times do we feel discouraged or ignorant because we don’t understand what the Bible is saying? At that point we have a choice–continue showing up and reading or ignoring or neglecting our Bible reading.
The Insensitivity of Scripture
As we continue to unpack this first in a series of about God’s Word quotes, let’s consider an insensitivity to the Scriptures. Again, digging through my Thesaurus for synonyms for insensitivity I found these words: coldness, detachment, disinterest, and disregard.
The word “detachment” stood out to me above. Detachment can mean a disconnect, a disengagement or an indifference. Again, not words I would want to use to describe my knowledge of Christ and the Scriptures. I don’t want to be disconnected from Christ or the Word of God. John 15:5 states, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” I don’t want to live a life of being and doing nothing. I want to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. But if I’m disconnected, I won’t. Simple as that.
And finally I want to consider “insensitivity.” I am a sensitive person, not that I get my feelings hurt easily or take offense easily, but that I feel deeply. I believe we are sensitive to what we know or have known. Fear, confusion, depression, anxiety, and anguish in others makes my heart hurt. I know those feelings well. I am sensitive to the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of those feelings in myself and for others. I am not numb or dull to the very real turmoil those feelings can cause. If I feel this way with human emotions, I don’t want to be numb to the Gospel and dull with the Christ Who was crucified, died and was buried so that I “…may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) I don’t want to be insensitive to Christ and as such, insensitive to the Word of God.
To close I will offer some simple suggestions to get to know Christ. Anyone can do these, they don’t cost a thing–unless you don’t already own a Bible and even then, you can go to your local Goodwill and purchase one for a couple of dollars.
1. Open your Bible
Open it to the Proverb of the day–there are 31 chapters in the Book of Proverbs. Open it and leave it open all day. Place it on your nightstand, your dining room table, your cubicle desk, the kitchen or bathroom counter, by the baby’s changing table, next to your favorite chair. Each time you pass by, read a verse or so. You will be amazed how much Scripture reading you accomplish by doing this.
I also want to add, find a translation that suits you. We’re not working on our dissertation about the Word of God here, we’re just spending time with Him. If the translation is difficult for us to read or understand, we’ll begin to find reasons why we don’t have the time to read our Bible. For day to day reading, just to make a habitual practice of reading the Word, I use The One Year Bible – Catholic: NLT. This is not poetic like the King James or the Douay Rheims. It’s not meant for in-depth theological study–good thing because I’m not a Theology student. In my opinion, this translation is meant to be read and understood. I don’t need a dictionary or pronounciation guide handy, I can just sit down and read. *I just saw there is a new Bible in this translation coming out, Catholic Holy Bible Reader’s Edition. It’s not arranged in daily readings like the One year, it’s arranged like a typical Bible.
2. Listen to Scriptural Music
This can be free on your radio or live stream on your computer. There are playlists on Amazon for Prime Members and CD’s you can purchase. Watch some Youtube videos of hymns being sung and memorize them so you’ll always have Scriptural music with you.
3. Scripture Accessories and Decor
There are so many items that contain Scripture from wall hangings to phone covers. There are also many free prints available. Print these and place them on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator.
These are all reminders to help you stay attached and engaged with the Word of God. I’d love to hear some of your favorite ways to stay connected to God and His Word, leave them in the comments.
I pray this series on God’s Word quotes will encourage you to consider the why’s, when and how to stay sensitive to the Word of God. To develop or continue to mature a close friendship with Christ.
God’s Word Quotes Posts:
Put in the Good Work
Talk to Jesus
Click the share buttons below to share this post with your friends and family.
Kaethe Pittman says
Jenny, what a jewel of a post! I have not checked in with your blog lately, and what a gift this was to find this morning: exactly the nudge I need (thank you, Holy Spirit!) to get back into my Bible study.
Jenny says
So happy to see you and glad you enjoyed the post!
Michelle says
It’s so true. It is God! What has helped me to heal and steer clear (well mostly ;)) of self-will in my quest for holiness is reading along with the church in the daily readings. The seasons of the liturgical year often coincide with the seasons in my own soul. Reading along with the Holy spirit is like the difference between canoeing on a lake or down a gentle river, moving along with the current.
Jenny says
Oh, nice analogy girl!
clarefcj says
I love these ideas! How lovely to use a variety of ways to explore Scripture…
Jenny says
Thank you Clare. I think they will be fun.
Mary Larson says
This is a great idea! I plan to participate!! Thanks for the idea!
Jenny says
Yay Mary. I’m glad you’re joining me!
Susan says
This series is a great inspiration. I think you unpacked St. Jerome’s quote in your style that I love…..thesaurus use. Thank you and God bless you and yours. Susan
Jenny says
Thanks Susan. I’m looking forward to exploring this series.
Jeanne says
Thank you for this series I love it!
Jenny says
You’re welcome Jeanne. I think this will be an enjoyable series.