Always ask, “What Does the Bible Say About That:” Seeing Things from God’s Perspective
Sign up to receive blog updates straight to your inboxEver find yourself scrolling through social media and coming across content that makes you double-think your faith? Maybe it’s a trending video that questions Christian beliefs, or a post that presents a worldview completely opposite to what the Bible teaches. In these moments, it’s crucial to hit the pause button and ask, “What does the Bible say about that?” This simple yet powerful question can transform the way we see the world and help us align our lives with God’s perspective.
Let’s start with an example from the Bible in Acts 17:11. It talks about the Bereans, a group of people who were eager to hear God’s word. When the apostle Paul shared the message of Jesus with them, they didn’t just take his word for it. Instead, “they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Their commitment to testing and verifying what was said exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s Word for confirmation.
The Bereans are an amazing example for us. They didn’t blindly accept everything they saw and heard; they opened up the Scriptures and looked inside to see what God said about it. This kind of dedication is something we can learn from and apply in our lives today. Like the Bereans, we too should scrutinize what we see and hear and compare it with the Bible to ensure its accuracy.
1. Discernment. Not everything we hear or read aligns with God’s Word. By examining the Scriptures, we can discern what’s true and what’s not. This helps us avoid being misled by false teachings or deceptive ideas. 1 John 4:1 warns us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
2. Truth Over Trends. We live in a world full of shifting opinions and trends. What’s popular today might be forgotten tomorrow. But God’s Word is constant and unchanging. By asking what the Bible says, we anchor our beliefs and actions in timeless truth. Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
3. Spiritual Growth. Regularly seeking God’s perspective on things deepens our understanding of His character and His plans for us. It strengthens our faith and helps us grow spiritually. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tell us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
1. Popular Opinions on Identity: Social media is full of messages about self-identity, often promoting the idea that you can define yourself in any way you choose. It’s important to ask, “What does the Bible say about our identity?” (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14).
2. Views on Success and Happiness: Many posts equate success and happiness with wealth, fame, and material possessions. The Bible offers a different perspective on true joy and contentment (Matthew 6:19-21, Philippians 4:12-13).
3. Moral Relativism: There’s a growing trend that suggests morality is subjective and what’s right for one person might not be right for another. The Bible teaches absolute truth and moral standards (Isaiah 5:20, John 14:6).
4. Body Image and Self-Worth: Influencers often set unrealistic beauty standards that can affect self-esteem. The Bible teaches that our worth is found in Christ and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (1 Samuel 16:7, Psalm 139:14).
5. Depictions of Authority and Rebellion: Social media sometimes glorifies rebellion against parents, teachers, or other authorities. The Bible calls us to respect and honor authority (Romans 13:1-2, Ephesians 6:1-3).
1. Use a Concordance. A concordance is an alphabetical list of words usually found in the back of your Bible, with Scripture references to where those words appear. This can help you quickly find verses related to specific topics.
2. Study Bibles. Study Bibles include notes and references that provide context and explanations for verses. In the back of my Bible, I have a section called, “Perspectives from the Bible,” which gives over 80 topics that range from “what to read when” and what the Bible has to say about specific issues.
3. Bible Commentaries. These are books written by scholars that provide detailed explanations and interpretations of Bible passages. They can offer deeper insights into what the Scriptures say about various topics.
4. Bible Apps and Websites. There are many digital resources available, like Gotquestions.org, blueletterbible.org, biblehub.net where you can search for topics or keywords and find relevant Bible verses.
5. Ask a Mentor or Pastor. Sometimes, discussing your questions with a knowledgeable Christian mentor or pastor can provide clarity and insight.
Asking, “What does the Bible say about that?” is a powerful habit that can shape your life in incredible ways. It helps you see things from God’s perspective, keeps you grounded in truth, and guides you in making wise decisions. Remember the Bereans and their commitment to Scripture. Let’s follow their example and make the Bible our go-to source for guidance, wisdom, and truth.
So, here’s a challenge for you: This week, whenever you encounter something that makes you question or think deeply, pause and ask, “What does the Bible say about that?” Take a moment to look it up, read the Scriptures, and seek God’s wisdom.
Always prioritize seeking God’s perspective in what you see, hear, and do, as it will guide you to the truth each time.
Consider the social media trends mentioned in the blog. Which one do you think has the most significant impact on young people today, and why? Share a time when seeking God’s perspective transformed your understanding of a situation or a belief? How did this experience influence your faith journey? What steps will you take moving forward to prioritize seeking God’s perspective in what you see, hear and do?
