The second of our Navigator Core Values is The Truth and Sufficiency of the Scriptures for the Whole of Life. This has always been a strength of our ministry, and with God’s help, we intend to keep it front and center as the future unfolds. The reason for our tenacious commitment to this is not just history. The words of Moses in Deut 32:46-47 capture this beautifully: “Lay to heart all the words which I enjoin upon you this day, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no trifle for you, but it is your life, and thereby you shall live long in the land which you are going over the Jordan to possess”.
Throughout history and right down to our day, we see men and women tinkering with the word of God, either by reducing it or by seeking to add to it. Any effort to try and improve on the Scriptures is a statement that God’s Word is not sufficient. And anyone who downplays or sets aside any part of it that they feel uncomfortable with, or who feels the need to apologize on God’s behalf, is saying that God’s word is not really true. We soberly call to mind Rev. 22:18-19: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book”. So, we echo the words attributed to Martin Luther: “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, my conscience is captive to the Word of God … God help me. Here I stand, I can do no other”.
God’s word was true and sufficient for Our Lord Jesus – the Word incarnate Himself! During His temptation, He went directly to the Scriptures. In His ministry He kept asking, “Have you never read (the Scriptures)?” After His resurrection, He explained the Scriptures to the disciples that he met on the Emmaus road. There is no higher level to rise to. Paul’s parting gift to his beloved Ephesian elders was, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified”.
All that we need for life and ministry is already contained in the Scriptures. In 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Paul states that if we the Lord’s servants are to be fully equipped for every good work, we must find the ‘profit’ contained in God’s Word. Whether the need of the hour (the profit) is reproof, correction or training in righteousness, the Scriptures are the answer.
We commit ourselves and call all others whom God places in our lives, to serious study and application of the Scriptures as the Word of God. This means that schedules must be adjusted, sleeping hours revised, group values renegotiated, but especially humble attitudes of obedience embraced. What does this mean for you?
-Mutua Mahiaini
