Nougat 12

Recently, I was reminded of the pillars of the Protestant Reformation often referred to as the ‘solas’. (For those in need of clarification, the Roman Catholic Church underwent a series of reforms during its lifetime, especially during the 14-15th centuries, one of which stripped away much of the add-ons of the day and led to the establishment of a new way of being – ie ‘Protestant’). These solas were framed to keep the church grounded on what really matters. The word ‘sola’ connotes the sense of one or only, and that is the message of the Reformation. Only Scripture, Christ, Faith, Grace, and for God’s glory. Today’s Holy Nougat speaks to one of the solas.

“God uses it [Scripture] to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Interestingly, we might recall that in the Pauline epistle to the Ephesians, Scripture is a sword for battle, not just a working tool. And Psalm 119 references God’s Word as an aid to sin less. Although vastly different in connotation, both underscore the importance of God’s Word in our lives and demonstrate that it is transforming and alive.

To prepare is to make ready. It is process-based and is the vehicle for change. So flour by itself is not bread. But with the addition of yeast and other ingredients, it can be prepared to become bread. Bakers will tell us that the yeast mix needs to be given time to saturate the mix for its full impact to be seen. Likewise, God’s Word, when applied to all aspects of our lives will over time transform us into who God’s called us to be.

God’s Word is not only preparatory, it is also a tool to enhance the quality of our work and witness. Here, the analogy I wish to use is not yeast (that transforms flour into malleable dough), but a pencil sharpener in a crayon pack. Pencils and crayons are lovely devices that add colour to surfaces. As the pencils/crayons are used however, the point becomes dull and less effective. A sharpener helps to trim away the dull parts, restoring the pencils to functionality. When we apply God’s Word to our lives, we are transformed and also revived each time we become run down.

And that’s why it is important to maintain a habit of reading God’s Word, ensuring that we learn and apply it to our lives. In so doing, our lives testify to God’s grace and mercy as well as God’s blessings on those who call on God’s name. Scripture helps us to understand God more and more, (confirming that God is speaking to us based on the content and nature of what we hear). Also, in countering the plans of the enemy of our souls, we use God’s Word. It is truly a main pillar of our faith.

Thus, it’s up to us to ensure that reading and applying God’s Word to our lives is a natural part of our routine.

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May all we seek be found in Christ