Returning to fundamentals is a principle that is prevalent in most, if not all, disciplines. It is useful when the complexity of a hypothesis, theory or idea exacerbates any attempt at a solution. "Going back to the drawing board" is an opportunity to step back from a problem, clear the clutter from the mind and focus on things that are known to be true. This often provides a different perspective and allows one to see potential errors or mistakes more clearly. In other cases, such as sports, a frequent fault, failure or inability to achieve certain objectives can be a sign that a fundamental or fundamentals that are not being utilized or followed.
In the Christian walk a similar impasse is often experienced, which is almost certainly an indication that a fundamental has been neglected. Commonly this shows up when their is discord or a lack of peace in our lives. Typically the distress we are facing is a result of a bad or incorrect belief, namely that God is good and His plans are good, and that He is to be trusted. This particular trail is one that I am rather familiar with. Yet most recently God has, through various means, has brought to my mind two critical fundamentals that I have been neglecting. Neither of these are novel or profound, which I think is why they are so often neglected in one form or another. For whatever reason complexity and profundity are attractive, and those things that seem simple are deemed inferior. But the reality is that for the Christian these things are very necessary to the health of our souls and are relationship to God and to people (Matt 22:37). I thought it might be worth posting for the benefit of others.
The first of these is fundamental of digging into God's truth, His word, which has been handed down to us in Scripture. The Bible offers us God's story and how he has interacted with His people throughout history. We are told II Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The phrase "inspired by God" is important to note. It is the Greek word θεόπνευστος from God (θεὸς) and Breathed (πνεῖν). So the intention here is that, however the Word of Scripture has come, it has its Origin in God. It is in its essence, its purpose and its subject the words of God in a very literal sense. The Word of Scripture is inerrant, that is without error, in terms of its composition in the original languages. I took the time to bore you with this point because it is of immense importance. Because if we have handed down to us to very words of God that he wished for us to have in order that, through it, we might be taught the truth, rebuked of our own sin, corrected in our theology, trained in reflecting the righteousness of God so that we might come to look more and more like his son, then we ought to spend time reading these words and do so daily.
The Shorter Catechism of Westminster states that the chief end of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Scripture is the primary way in which the Holy Spirit, the "counselor" that Jesus promised (John 14:26), instructs us about the nature of God, His will and how we are to conduct ourselves as His children. The point is that God has revealed Himself through prophets in varying times and ways and ultimately in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). This revelation is recorded in Scripture. If we would Know God and have a Relationship with him to such an extent that we, through Christ, are able to fulfill His will of Looking like Jesus then we must read His word. It is essential for the success and spiritual well being of those who are called by Him in His Son Jesus.
I hope that you have enjoyed this, and I welcome any comments or questions. My prayer is that this will be beneficial also. This is the first of two parts. The next one will be on Prayer. Until then God bless!
