What are We Trying to Say?

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Once in a while verses in the Bible like the one above are partially misquoted or interpreted.  For the most part, such quoting renders harmless the original writer’s intentions, but still, we who handle the Word of God need to strive toward biblical accuracy. 

Another verse that we often quote wrongly proves my point as well.  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” 

Most preaching suggests that children who are raised in the ways of the Lord never depart from their faith.  However, this application does not remain time tested.  Many who have been raised to love and serve the Lord stray from their original teachings in adulthood.  Such an application leaves godly parents bewildered and wondering, “Where did I go wrong?” Much guilt associated with childrearing proves unfounded.  Sometimes partial truth frustrates the work of God!

What was the wise preacher really suggesting?  According to Jewish thought, children were born with innate “bents,” or strengths.  Parents are given the responsibility to help shape those gifts and to direct each child toward their God-given paths.  This frequently quoted verse encourages parents to teach their children good decision making processes.  “Train” means to direct; it is not an ironclad promise that children will follow their parents’ role model.

So, what about our first mentioned verse?

    

1 Corinthians 2:9, often quoted at funerals, sounds like Paul is referring strictly to heaven. However, if you look at the verses before and after you discover an earthly intent.  The Apostle discusses the blessings that godly wisdom and Spirit-filled living bring to us in this life.  Our faith journey is one of exciting opportunities to experience God’s never-ending love and provision in this life.  We don’t have to wait for heaven to experience His abundant blessings. We who are indwelled by His Spirit have the privilege to participate in His provision on this side of eternity!

Again, no one commits the unpardonable sin when verses like the above two are misapplied, but it behooves all who handle the Word to “Study to show themselves approved…rightfully dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).