Why Do We Struggle With Scripture?

I can't remember exactly what I saw recently, but it reminded me that people, myself included, find that understanding the Bible is hard. As a result, it's easy for people to put it away, to shy away from reading God's Word.

I've also often seen we dumb down the Scriptures for people younger than, say, twenty-five, as if they can't really comprehend it.

But I wonder, do we dumb things down for others and ourselves because it truly is hard, or is it something else?

Let me explain.

I enjoy the occasional superhero or sci-fi movie. As long as there's not a bunch of nonsense or foul language, I think they can be entertaining and tell a good story. But some of those stories are pretty confusing.

As a child, I would watch one show in particular. It dealt with time travel, different dimensions, and all sorts of out-there space stuff. And ya know what? I understood it pretty well.

And Marvel movies are incredibly popular, especially among young people. These movies deal with some very complex ideas. But I imagine the kids that watch them follow along with the plot.

My point is: why do we dumb the Bible down for our kids, even though they can understand the multiverse? And why do we shy away from the Scripture, even though we can ponder time travel and the like?

I may step on toes saying this, including my own, but I think that in part, we do it because we're lazy, and because of our flesh. Is the Bible really that challenging to read? Or is it just that we find it boring?

The Bible isn't "fun" like Captain America. It's not exciting like Star Wars. And all too often, it's "too much work" to try and understand the Bible.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are other reasons. Depending on your translation, the writing can be hard to follow (I'm looking at you, KJV. Maybe try NASB or ESV; yes, it's still God's Word). A big hindrance to our understanding of Scripture is sin in our lives. That will certainly cloud our ability to read the Word. And if we're not allowing the Spirit to lead us and help us, then we're not going to get much out of it, either. These are all things we can discuss at another time, perhaps.

Let us not shy away from Scripture because of some pretense. Let us not justify the fact that, all too often, we find it dull. And let us not dumb down the Word for kids. I think we sell them short when we do that. Of course, there is nuance. But instead, let us realize that the Bible is bread and water for our souls. It is nourishment that we need. The Bible is the very Word of God. May He help us find joy in it.

And if you struggle in any of these areas, tell God!

Remember that we have countless helps available to many of us. I've shared some resources in the past. And I hope that in some small way some of my own content is helpful to you.

But let me encourage you: God's Word is useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and you're not alone in your challenge in reading it. But there is also much help out there, namely that God Himself is there to help you know Him more through His Word.

Now, if someone can explain the multiverse to me...

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