Another way to consider WORKS

What is your opinion, stand on works? Is your reaction - “look at all I’m doing, of course I believe in works - that’s what I do!” For a moment consider Ephesians 2:8-10

   “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God: not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above - spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”

Do you ever think about the scripture in Ephesians 2? Do you apply it to what you do? Do you know or check to make certain it’s something You need to Do? Is the Lord invited into the process or do you make the determination? I have a couple of questions we should think on before adding….

One is the scripture which tells us to be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16). I typically phrase this as the Father has created us with brains, as such He expects us to use them. Two is a 'warning' He gives us which is to always test the spirits (1 John 4:1-3). The third point is He tells us that He will never tempt us, He will never ask us to do something we can’t accomplish. 

   “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word - He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always]

provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].” [1 Corinthians 10:13] 

Granted this verse is talking about temptations, but I think it can also be applied to the work we do. It is so easy to get caught up into what we are asked to do, but not always is this for us… it can be a way to increase the work at the expense of our relationship. I believe that too often, we step up when the work is really for another. 

Another way of looking at this is that 'work' should be the expression of our 'faith'. James 2:18

   "But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”

In a very real way they are inseparable - you need the faith in order to do the works and stepping out to do works proves your faith. Knowing that with the Lord you CAN do all things (Philippians 4:13). Part of our 'work' is to grow in sensitivity to the voice of the Lord and His direction. And yes, I know I've said this in other blog posts but the point is important. Relationship is the foundation in all of this. Works, Faith, etc. all are based in our personal relationship with the Lord. 

It is He who provides opportunity for work, for us to grow in relationship, to live meaningful and fruitful lives. Works are integral but without faith it won't happen and faith doesn't occur apart from relationship.

'Don't ache in isolation'

Recently I was listening to a teaching by Lisa Harper and she was preaching on  when Elijah called down fire from heaven and then ended up running away in fear from Jezebel (1 Kings 19). It struck me the first time I read these verses - Elijah had just seen the majesty of God when the fire came down and consumed the water and the false priests. 

When Elijah ran away he initially took his servant with him but left him right before he got to the place where he asked God to take his life. Her point in this is that we're called to community. He didn't have to carry his feelings alone. "Don't ache in isolation." Call your brothers and sisters with your burden. Second guessing about feelings, issues, plans, etc. are rarely effective.

A safe place to be weak? Is that what you're searching for? Only one place... at least only one safe place - the Lord. We know Jesus is part of the Triune God so we sometimes forget that Jesus, our High Priest:

   "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. [Hebrews 4:15-16]

That IS our confidence - He understands. He walked among us seeing us grapple with all that living entails - He knows. And let's face it.... living in this fallen world isn't a cake walk. Another way of looking on this is - you aren't alone unless you choose to not involved the Lord in your life. You can be saved, knowing your destination is heaven and still miss the Now relationship.

He tells us in Ephesians 1:3 that He HAS blessed us with every spiritual blessing. That is a past tense verb - has - not that He will sometime in the future, but that it's already a done deal. How many times do we not pay attention and read the past tense verb as if it's a future event. You aren't unseen, you aren't unknown we only need put our faith in a proactive condition and activate it now.

Aching in isolation has never been your 'fate'. Don't buy the lie. If you need some healing in the now - reach out to your brothers and sisters and allow them to help in your healing. We all need to lean sometimes. And never forget that your Father is waiting with open arms to wrap you in His love. Your choice...

It’s TOO Much!!!

Do you ever feel this way? And then immediately following is the reminder that the Lord never asks more of us than we can bear. My reply is… you’ve got more confidence in me than I do then. (I hope it’s a small chuckle I hear…) But you know what I mean, whatever is happening or whatever you believe is being asked of you – it’s too much!

Fortunately for me, the next thought is the verse in 1 Peter 5:6-7

  “ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”

Humble, like patience, is not my strong suit. Stress can sweep us into being alone in (fill in the blank) and the point is we are never alone because we have God’s Word that He will never leave us. Soooo what’s the problem? Go back to the first 9 words in 1 Peter. Is our pride getting in the way? Maybe it isn’t pride, maybe we’ve fallen for a lie of the devil that tells us we have to do it all by ourselves.

And then comes Philippians 4:6-7 into my thinking and I see that I’m really NOT alone.

   "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." [MSG]

Isn’t being with us what the Holy Spirit does? Of course. He’s our Strengthener, Standby, Helper – among other roles. He’s available to help us accomplish the goal, project before us. WE CAN DO IT! Our problem basically always seems to go to - where are our eyes? What is it we are seeing?  

   "Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or hemming and hawing—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.” [Mark 11:22-25 MSG]

There's a great deal Mark says in these 3 verses. It gives direction, telling us what we can do and who we are. Now all we have to do is: humble ourselves, cast the cares, take the help, advice the Holy Spirit provides and stand confidently … knowing that the Lord realllllly never asks us to do something we can’t.

Come... and Storms

    "Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  [Matthew 14:22-33... 28-31]

Are you in a storm? If not... you may be soon. That wasn't prophecy nor was it a word of wisdom. When you look at the world, storms is the mildest word used to describe the times we live in. And we've all lived through storms before... have we learned from them and remembered those learnings? If I think about this a moment longer there are a number of lessons in verses 28-31. Example: When Peter heard the words 'Come' his eyes were on Jesus and his faith motivated him to follow what Jesus said.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 teaches:

   "So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, ...—  for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]" 

Verse 7 is the point: "...for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises" Peter started out confident... and then he looked around and saw the storm, saw his plight (that he could drown) and put his 'faith' in what he saw NOT on the Lord. Now, how does the Lord's 'Come' resonate in our lives? Do we respond to His 'Come' with bold confidence (do remember Hebrews 4:16)? Or do we start there and then, like Peter, get our eyes off the Lord and on our circumstances? 

Perhaps one area we should focus on is the length of time we have our eyes off the Lord until we finally get our eyes back onto the Lord.? Those are the times that ineffective rabbit trails, doubt, worry, stress and all the other negative feelings and thoughts emerge. Sometimes those are times of bondage or captivity or misunderstandings occur. Sometimes we stumble or fall. Why do we endure these times? Because we do. Unnecessarily. I'm not sure what can be learned during those times. 

Storms, some of our own making, occur. They are a fact of life. But there is no need to compound the problem. Peter started in faith when he got out of the boat to go to the Lord. Then... he looked around and saw what was arrayed against him and fear replaced that faith. We have similar times of repeating this in our lives. We are told to build up our faith. Jude 20 says:

   "But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit,"

Who does the building up? WE do. How? Pray in the Holy Spirit. Whenever you sense the waters rising and the waves increasing growing... whenever you feel attacked and confused - stop and look at the storm calmer. Look to Jesus and believe walking to Him confidently and watch storm be calmed.

Mature

It’s really kinda sad (I think) and slightly frustrating but I don’t think ‘mature’ will ever be descriptive of me. I think it would be rather grand to be viewed in my world as wise, kind, gracious. Sigh. Not gonna happen… ever.

Why? What, Which 'why' are you asking? Why am I sad or frustrated? Or, why would I want such an epitaph? Or, why do I think it’s unattainable for me. One does need to always check open ended questions/comments or you end up answering your preference and may totally miss the intent of the questioner.

For me, part of the why lies in the obvious - especially those of you who know me, do you really think I could ever become mature? Be honest now - you don’t need to answer out loud as t’s more rhetorical than actually wanting a response.

I think I’m feeling slightly whimsical today and that, in and of itself, disqualifies me and don’t play coy - you know that. Another disqualification is that I love to ask questions (it really is more of a 'who I am' than a 'what I do') - primarily so that the speaker will hear their own answers. And if you are elevated to the lofty position of mature - supposedly you have the answer. Not nearly as much fun as the quest to find an answer.

Another disqualification is that the journey’s the thing. That’s the path to self discovery, self understanding so that you can learn to be and act self-less and not self-ish. Getting me outta the way is a 'yet to be accomplishment'. And I believe that Me-ism has no place in mature and honestly, there's still too much of ME in me.

OK, all of this been said slightly, but only slightly, tongue-in-cheek but there's a great deal of truth embedded in that somewhat self-effacement. I think all or at least most of us want to be the picture of maturity (thought we may define the word differently) on some level. Some of the my words associated with mature are: reliable, trustworthy, understanding, genuine, with creativity and common sense as mates. You may have other words or more but I think I've painted a picture. It's a more and better ... me.

Have you ever stopped long enough to look at your motives for wanting to be 'mature'? We all should. You can never attain something that's never defined. And for defined to be defined, there has to be a focus, a purpose. Mine is the Lord. I know I must disappoint often. I do have an advanced degree in rabbit trails which can really be bothersome at times.

So what's my definition of of defined? It may sound simple or trite but my desire is to be pleasing to the Lord in my words and actions. If I can accomplish this then I can add to it. But first to be intentional in my words and actions, no - not censoring but not careless either. Second, I want to walk in the works the Lord has prepared for me (Ephesians 2). Third, I want to be part of His family, His nation (1 Peter 2:9)... and that begins my journey. 

I do hope that I’m on the right path to mature so that I can be of some use for the Lord. But if I'm not... please Lord, help me off my current rabbit trail and back on Your path for me.

Feelings

Have you ever thought about God having feelings? Too trite or insignificant or maybe too disrespectful? Why? Put away those reactions and think about the question - there is a reason. Do you believe the Triune God has feelings?

   "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. [Ephesians 4:30]

   " Jesus wept." [John 11:35 and don't forget His anger when He threw out the money changers - Matthew 21:12-13] His suffering over Lazarette's death, etc.  

   "for you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]" [Exodus 34:14]

Let me suggest a reason. Grieve, Please, Wept, Anger, Jealous. Impassioned... aren't those feelings? If you can entertain the thought that God does have feelings. Then if you study how He expresses them can give clues to how we should react? Just another 'ponderable'? Quite honestly... feelings get a bad rap. It isn't the feelings that shouldn't be expressed, it's the expression. How should we express our feelings?

Denying your feelings is never good... they end up seeping out at times that are not our choosing and typically to the wrong person. I believe it is critical to acknowledge the feeling because it will seek to control every aspect that you are experiencing and typically not for the good. It's almost like they are saying - "if you won't face the feelings I'm going to express them in my way". So why don't we face our feelings? Fear of rejection? Fear that we're wrong? Embarrassment? Those begin the litany of our excuses not to acknowledge and deal with the emotion.

I would also suggest that you consider doing the acknowledgement and consequences by yourself first. It really doesn't matter if you are right or wrong at this moment, or if the 'slight' or whatever caused your reaction is legitimate. When you feel what you feel... a denial is never the best path to resolution. If you try and push down what you feel, or deny that you are feeling what you feel - what do you accomplish? Why go through all that pain and struggle when the end result isn't one that you are wanting?

To repeat... feelings are what they are. It's our expression that is the issue. And behind the expression are our motives. If we want to cause hurt - we will, and the result of this behavior/expression? If we try and be stoic - even we don't believe us. Look to scripture to discover how to express the negative - good, bad, indifferent, accurate, childish, etc. - that is the goal. 

But don't just focus on the negative feelings. How do you express your positive or joyful feelings. Never let it be an 'I told you so'. Your feelings of excitement or accomplishment should be expressed as long as you aren't taking all the glory. I have always found it fascinating that what should be a joyful expression of a positive feeling including others in the happiness can go amiss too. It's all about motives.

Back to the first question - does the Triune God have feelings. GotQuestions responds to this question: 

   "To deny God’s emotions is to deny that He possesses personality. ... This isn’t to say that our emotions and those of God are exactly the same. We sometimes speak of our emotions “clouding our judgment” because our sinful nature has corrupted our emotions. But God has no sin, and His emotions are incorruptible. For example, there is a vast difference between human anger and divine anger. Human anger is volatile, subjective, and too often out of control (Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; James 1:20). God’s anger is rooted in divine justice. God’s anger is perfectly righteous and predictable, never capricious or malicious. In His anger, He never sins."

Don't blame your feelings - change your expressions. Revenge, it is said, is a dish best served cold. And many times the feeling is revenge which never has ever accomplished anything. 

GOD

Have you ever tried to get your head around the idea, the concept, the reality of GOD? I suspect every person who comes to the saving knowledge and makes Jesus their Lord has wrestled with this question more than once. It is HUGE and there's no way we could have created God... as the skeptics say. But somehow I also feel that I should embody:

   "But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect."
[1 Peter 3:15] 

Let me dispense with some preconceived argument against the unmistakable reality that there is a God, and that He is GOD. It can't be man-made, conceived of for at least the following reason - we aren't omni or any of the omni's - not omnipotent, meaning all-powerful; omniscient, meaning all-knowing; and omnipresent, meaning present everywhere at all times. So how could a non omni create an omni? If you know of someone who would classify themselves as omni - they're lying. Simply ask them to prove they are all powerful... or all knowing... or present everywhere at all times (this last one is the clincher)

Obviously there are other reasons but it is so very obvious that there is a God and there's no way we could create Him. Why would anyone buy into the idea that He isn't and we can conceive of such a thing, person as - God? Even a cursory look at nature should be proof enough - where did the first seed come from that grew into a tree? And not just one tree... a multitude of different varieties. Personally, I think it takes more dispensing of logic and reality to think that humans came out of the murky muck and somehow 'evolved'. If you do then you also do not have much respect for you or your fellow man.    

God isn't to be trifled with either. The first 10 Commandments are not a suggestion. And anytime we put a person, idea, thing as the basis for our existence we rebel and defy who God is, what He done and does. Let me remind us of the first 3 Commandments:

     “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” ...

     “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.” ...

     “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” 

These first 3 of 10 Commandments all point to God, not god. And they have been a guide for mankind since Moses came down from the mountain with them. They have survived, except in the hearts and minds that deny Him. But if God was that insignificant, how do you explain His influence through the millennium? Why does the fallible think they can dictate to the infallible?

I suspect that those who will/do not have ears that listen will ever hear. I also suspect that those who will/do not have eyes that see will ever see because they don't want to hear or see. The only act that we can do is pray for them, ask that they be given seeing eyes and hearing ears so that the gift of salvation that is given can be accepted. We sow the seed of life, we plant, we water. God gave us free will which means we can accept Him and His gift of His Son as our Savior... or we remain defiant in our sightless, deaf lives. What a terrible end.

I believe God when He said in His Word:

   " Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3:8-10]

   Jesus's words "If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but to save the world. Whoever rejects Me and refuses to accept My teachings, has one who judges him; the very word that I spoke will judge and condemn him on the last day." [John 12:47-48]

Someone once said in rebuttal to a scoffer...  but what if I'm right and you are wrong?' Obviously not the best response but it is a stopper. You can't just ignore that question. It has been planted and the scoffer will have to respond at some point. What if your opinion, teaching is wrong? What if what you believe is not truth? What if ...

A Meaningful Life

Recently I had the honor of presenting a Devotional to a group of Prayer Coordinators. I also would like to share it with you.

 A Meaningful Life.

Let me start with a question… when you stop a moment in your busy life, do you ask yourself… do I live a meaningful life? Do remember that ‘meaningful life’ is individually defined. What mine is may never interest you… and vice versa. Never get caught up in comparison when you look at your life. Not fair, not right. And… in developing your definition/your descriptions, make certain they are yours, make certain they are measurable, and make certain they are attainable. How fulfilled and fruitful will you feel if the ‘goal’ is easily reached - somewhat cheated? How will you feel if they are so out of reach that attaining them is never going to occur. Show some grace toward you.

Do you know what 'a meaningful life' is, means? Do you have your definition so that at the end of the day as you are lying down and putting your head onto the pillow - what are your thoughts? Are you 'happy' with your day? Did you spend time with the Lord and felt renewed and refreshed in His presence and in the process... perhaps I should ask if you've made time for the Lord? Is there a sense of peace and satisfaction? First of all my questions are not meant to make you uncomfortable if you haven’t done so. Granted, this is a 'suggestion' because ‘meaningful’ is part of your identity - who you are and how you go about doing you. 

Now that I’ve said that, I decided to discover how scripture describes and defines ‘meaningful’.

    According to Christianity.com, 

   “a meaningful life is one that has significance for others and positively impacts the world with the gifts and talents God has given. Dr. Michael Youssef says that a meaningful life with God is also purposeful, joyful, fulfilling, and a blessing to others and God. He also says that a life without God's guidance is without purpose and meaning, but that living in fellowship with God and following His Word can be meaningful.”

   “A life lived in fellowship with God, a life lived under the authority of the Word of God, a life lived by the principles given to us in His Word—that life will be meaningful.” This is according to Leading the Way: ltw.org

Applying God’s Word goes on to say, 4 principles govern:

You Need a Personal Relationship With God (Philippians 4:12-13)

You Need to Love and Be Loved By People

You Need to Know Your Purpose

You Need Personal Passion Projects that Serve People and Glorify God

These passion projects mentioned in the 4th principle need three elements: 

1. They need to be enjoyable to you,
2. they need to be helpful to other people, and
3. they need to be done for the glory of God. 

So if you want to live a meaningful life, you must always have passion projects going on in your life."

Their analysis: While God has created all people the same in some senses, He has also created each of us uniquely different as well. In other words, the way we love God, the way we interact with people, and the way we accomplish our purpose to glorify God should be uniquely expressed through our individual, God-given personalities.   …

In Romans 12:4-6 Paul teaches:  

   “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them . . . .”

When you consider your 'meaningful' is it the big things you've accomplished? Did you have a set number of these or is one sufficient? Do you rest on your laurels and point to this as your statement about being meaningful? By the way... who defined 'big' for you? You? And... I don't remember reading anything about one and done. Did I miss it? If it exists - can you point me to the confirming verses? 

It's true that 'meaningful' is individually defined but sometimes we haven't taken the time to do our defining. And if we don't... how will we recognize it? I also tend to think that when we have done something meaningful, we typically recognize it (if we even recognize it) after the fact. And if we, in considering either/both our words and actions, we consider it no big thing - does meaningful always have to be a 'big' thing?

Bottom line: I'd like to point out that many times meaningful IS defined in the little things, your actions or words that touched someone else - that cup of water. But whether 'big' or 'small' the point is meaningful is defined in terms of relationship(s). Meaningful really can't be if you isolate yourself from life and all its joys and pains, mistakes and successes - all of that counts. How can a self protected life really define meaningful? 

I would like to suggest that you don't simply say - 'well that was an interesting thought and leave it at that. It really is crucial to know what is meaningful for you - not people, not activities…  your life. My suggestion is that if it isn’t all you want, or you’re not certain what you actually have or need or want, that you take some time and just sit and have a conversation with the Lord. He’ll help and direct and be all that He is that you allow Him to be in your life. Ohh the discoveries you’ll make! And the things you’ll learn. That’s part of meaningful life too. We are all on such a grand adventure!

Your Word

    "Your word is a lamp to my feet  And a light to my path." [Psalm 119:105]

For some reason this verse has been running through my mind. It’s almost like being told something that is incredibly important to know. A teaching that will make a great difference. Do you ever experience this same 'phenomena'? 

First, regardless of the 'phenomena', do you understand and apply this verse? What are those 2 phrases in Psalm saying? I think that the Lord is trying to tell us a couple of things. One is to remind us of the importance and foundation we can find in the Word. Plus we are told in a number of places to renew our minds and this, Word, is what we renew our minds with and to. In another place it talks about hiding the word in our hearts. Again from Psalm 119

   "Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You." (v 11)

We now have another purpose that the Word fulfills - to help us not sin. That's a major benefit. Saved or not, sin will always seek us out to lead us astray. Also, we have a scriptural reminder - 1 John:8

   "If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.]"

Do you see the pattern, a line upon line discovering which is defining and then strengthening. This is a never-ending, continual discovering adventure, path we are on. This is how we grow. No matter the wisdom of our writings - it is the Word that proves itself. It is the Word that is our foundation. It is the Word that is our teacher. It is infallible so we can trust it.

And now the final proof, the unmistakable statement:

   "All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];" [2 Timothy 3:16] 

Did you see all of the for's? The Word has instruction... conviction... correction... training. The reason: to keep us on the path and away from sin, to show us error and to restore us when we do (1 John 1:9), how to live. That is a strong foundation not built on man-made fallibles. 

Why? Why all of this? Now look at verse 17

   "...so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Personally... complete, proficient, outfitted, equipped is what I would love to become... remember, it's a process but it has a starting point - The Word.