Scripture Power

July is the month when our thoughts turn to freedom.  We may not be happy with the way our government functions at times, but I think most of us would agree we are blessed to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  Many sacrifices have been made by others so that we can enjoy our lives today, while there are countries in this world where people are still terribly oppressed and live in extreme poverty.  We are very, very blessed. 

One of the freedoms I've been thinking about lately, is the freedom of religion that allows me the ability to worship as I please and freely read scripture, and the power that comes into my life as a result.  I am in awe when I read about William Tyndale, a man who was inspired by God to do an amazing work.  In England, where he lived during the 1500's, only a select few, mostly priests, were schooled in Greek and Hebrew, allowing them the privilege to read scripture.  There were laws that forbid anyone in England from translating scripture into the English language, so the commoners could read them, and those who tried and were caught, were often executed. William Tyndale went to Oxford University at twelve years of age and spent the next ten years becoming addicted (those were his words) to the scriptures.  It was his desire that everyone, even the plowboy, would be able to read the Bible for themselves.  When the English authorities learned that he was translating the scriptures into English, he had to go into hiding for the rest of his life.  He spent time in Germany, where the religious climate was more favorable to change and then smuggled  copies of his translated New Testament back into England. The people would gather in small groups behind locked doors and covered windows and those who could read for themselves, would for the first time ever, see the the words of Jesus and the apostles on the printed page.  Can you imagine?  Eventually, one of Tyndale's friends (or maybe not) betrayed him and his last words before he was burned at the stake were, " Oh God, open the King of England's eyes."   He knew the risks, yet sacrificed all, so that anyone who could read in the English language would be able to find for themselves the joy and peace that comes from reading God's word.   That's you and me. What a debt we owe this man.

In my house, we have scriptures scattered throughout our rooms.  I have a Bible and Book of Mormon (actually two) sitting right beside me as I type this.  We have extra sets on bookshelves, in our bedroom, in my bag I take to church.  I even have verses framed and placed in strategic places in my home.  I have the scriptures on my computer and on my phone.  Because they are so readily available, I don't usually think twice about them before I open and start reading.  But this month... I have been thinking more about it and trying not to take this freedom for granted.  And I've been thinking about how my life would be different, had I lived in William Tyndale's time.   I am a firm believer that there is power that comes into our lives when we avail ourselves to the truth that's found within the covers of these books.  Of course that's the key.  Having all this access to the scriptures doesn't make us better people.  It's only when we open them and spend time, reading and studying that we can be influenced by the words found therein.

I was reading a few weeks ago in 2 Timothy, when Paul is warning about the dangers of the last days and describes the apostasy and the world in which we live in great detail.  The environment which he describes sounds very familiar and I think we would agree that he saw our day and the challenges we would face.  But later in the chapter he tells us how we can prepare ourselves to live in this time- how we can have power against the wickedness of the adversary. 

"And all scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man (and woman) of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 I have found that the word of God can help me be prepared for whatever I have to face in life.   Like me, maybe you have found yourself asking some of these questions;

*Do I have questions about doctrine?
 Do I know if what I believe lines up with God's truth? 
 Do I have a weak testimony or can I speak with conviction about my faith? 
When I watch the nightly news and form an opinion about what I see, am I considering what Christ would say about that situation?  As one of his disciples that should be important to me.

* Do I need to be corrected about the way I'm living my life?
 Am I off track in some way?
Am I able to see the sin in my own life? 
As I prayerfully read the scriptures, my eyes can be opened and the Spirit can convict me of those things I need to be working on. ( And there never seems to be a shortage of things I need to be working on!)

*Do I know how a righteous, godly woman of faith lives her life?
 Do I know what that kind of life looks like?  How she would speak, act, dress?   How she handles sorrow, frustration, anger, relationships, her marriage?
Do I know what characteristics and qualities she possesses?
Do I know how she finds strength in her life to honor her covenants?

*Do I put my trust, completely in God? 
 Do I worry and stress out about people, situations, work, callings, material possessions, my health?  Or am I putting my trust in God, believing He will give me strength to face anything?
This can be hard to do, but as I read the scriptures I am encouraged and reminded that I'm not alone.  Not only do I see examples of righteous people, but I see examples of broken people with broken lives.  I see how the Lord can turn ashes into beauty.  Most importantly I'm reminded how much I'm loved, how real the atonement is and how very much I need it in my life.  

I've found the answers to all of these questions and more in the scriptures.  At the end of the verse that I quoted above from 2  Timothy, Paul says the reason to pour ourselves into the scriptures (my words, not his) is so we will be perfect- which means, suited, ready or complete.  In other words, we will be furnished with what we need to stay on the path, to endure to the end, of today and the next and the next.  We will have the power in our lives that we need and that power comes from the word of God.  I don't know about you, but I sure need that kind of power.  

And because I desperately need it, I try my best to spend time in the scriptures every day.  I've learned that I'm a better person when I do.  Some days, I think it's just an obedience thing, and I don't necessarily come away with any great insights.  But then, there's the day when I find a gem and it's exactly what I need at that moment to help me with something I'm facing.  And who's to know when that day will be?  It's best to show up and be ready.  I've grown to love the scriptures and like William Tyndale, maybe I've become a little addicted to them myself.  But how grateful I am that I don't have to hide behind closed doors and windows to read them.  Thank you William Tyndale, and all the others who have sacrificed before me that I might enjoy this freedom.