The One Scripture Saint has learned that it’s better to get one thing right faithfully and exceptionally well, than it is to have 5 things “sorta right” and a dozen things hit and miss.
There are a few scriptures in the Bible that have incredible scope when it comes to spiritual warfare and "lifting up the hung down head." Phil 4.13 is one of those scriptures: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Feeling sad and want to come up? Feeling lost, can’t find your way? Feeling weak and tired of being beat down? Phil 4.13 has you covered: reading, meditating and speaking this scripture aloud can bolster you in a multitude of situations.
I’d rather be a One Scripture Saint than a Hundred Scripture Ain’t…
It’s so easy to judge our habits and effectiveness by what we perceive as others’ successes or failures. God reminds us that he’s not looking on the outward appearance but on the inward places; he’s looking for our faithful submission to Him (1Sam 16.7, 2Cor 10.7).
God also has a clear understanding of our limitations - far clearer than us. In fact, even our trials are not to “prove ourselves to God” but to prove the presence and power of God to ourselves and to the world through us - that we may prove [display through our lives -mh] what is that good, acceptable, and perfect [manifested -mh] will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you] (Rom 12.2b).
Your flesh - given our inattention - will rise up above the threshold of “restrained” every single day. For the (spiritually minded) Christian, carnality is literally one unruly thought away, and the flesh will climb out of it’s watery grave and begin to terrorize your day. It’s why Paul warns us through his daily regimen: “I die daily” (1Cor 15.31). So he teaches us to mortify (make die) the thoughts and actions of the flesh (Rom 8.13).
If you’re just starting out a new habit or you’re reevaluating and strengthening your habits, you want to find out what works for you. God puts others in our lives to help us learn what’s right. The pastor teaches across the pulpit. An insightful minister or friend may kindly share what works for her. Another member of the flock may excitedly inform you of just how much they are doing (it may even seem like bragging, but don’t take it poorly - they’re often just excited, with hopes that you become excited as well!). Carefully and prayerfully evaluate what you're receiving through the lens of scripture and the counsel of wise associates.
What works for me may not work for you. I free you from that dead thought; you’re welcome. You don't have to be me. I'm pretty good at being me, I applied for and have successfully filled that job slot. But feel free to use what I have to the extent that it works for you. There's nothing new under the sun and if it is bringing life to me, I certainly didn't come up with it. That would be God working in me, giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Phil 2.13).
If you’re just starting out a new habit or you’re reevaluating and strengthening your habits, you want to find out what works for you. God puts others in our lives to help us learn what’s right. The pastor teaches across the pulpit. An insightful minister or friend may kindly share what works for her. Another member of the flock may excitedly inform you of just how much they are doing (it may even seem like bragging, but don’t take it poorly - they’re often just excited, with hopes that you become excited as well!). Carefully and prayerfully evaluate what you're receiving through the lens of scripture and the counsel of wise associates.
What works for me may not work for you. I free you from that dead thought; you’re welcome. You don't have to be me. I'm pretty good at being me, I applied for and have successfully filled that job slot. But feel free to use what I have to the extent that it works for you. There's nothing new under the sun and if it is bringing life to me, I certainly didn't come up with it. That would be God working in me, giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Phil 2.13).
My process may be reading or studying a few scriptures, prayer, fasting or even writing - like this article. And of course it’s good to mix it up and learn what combination really works for you. The point is to get your mind focused on God and to stay there until you know and understand that your heart is set on the things of heaven. You may only have to do it once a day. You may have to do it several times.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. -Prov 4.7
The power and wisdom of learning, leaning, and meditating on one scripture shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s much easier to remember in crunch situations, and dwelling on one scripture is like getting the marrow out of a really well seasoned bone.
And once you’ve mastered that one? Well… one more couldn’t hurt.
Previously published May 4, 2018
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