Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14
Have you ever tried to explain something about God to someone and they just don’t can’t get it?
The other day Melissa and I were looking at some books to get our daughter. One of them was about how to make good choices in your tween years. I read some of the reviews on Amazon and was taken aback by one of them.
In the description of the book, it was very clear that the author was a Christian and that the concepts in the book were based on her faith. The first few reviews were 5 stars. Then there was a 1-star review.
Why 1 star?
Here’s my version of their review…
I thought this book was just about making good decisions, but the author brings religion into it. I don’t think you should bring religion into how to make choices.
They Just Don’t Get It
My first thought was, “Wow! I don’t think this person understands the concept of religion. Of course, someone’s religion is going to affect how they make good choices.”
Today’s passage makes it clear that this really shouldn’t surprise us. Natural man (those without the Holy Spirit) just cannot understand the ways of God. It’s like trying to explain something to someone from a completely different culture with a completely different language.
The Great Translator
It’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we understand God’s Word. He reveals the truth to us. That’s what Jesus means when He tells Peter after Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah,
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 16:17
So, as we read God’s Word, we pray that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts and minds and reveal the truth to us. As we share the Gospel with non-Christians, we pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal that Gospel truth to that person and give them faith.
Don’t be surprised when those outside the faith don’t get it. They can’t. Rather, pray that God’s Word would be shared with them and the Holy Spirit bring them to faith so they might understand.
Holy Spirit,
Open my heart and mind to receive and understand Your Word. Teach me Your ways and show me Your path.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
