Every now and then we hear people attack the Bible as outdate, irrelevant, or antiquated, of no use to use, today, in the modern world. However, a look at the following texts might tell a different story—a radically different one, in fact.
Look at this, for starters: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:2-3)
Imagine if we all built our relationships, our lives, around that principle? Or this one: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17:18). What a different world that would be, wouldn’t it?
Or, if you want something really radical: “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20,21).
How different our marriages would be if people followed these words: “Husbands, love your wives,” (Ephesians 5:25) and these, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), or these, “Thou shalt not covet they neighbor’s wife” (Exo 20:17). Imagine how many homes would be so much happier if spouses followed these words: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph 4:32).
And not just homes; think about our communities. What would a world be like where relationships were dominated by the principle of, “Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2); or of, “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you” (Luke 6:27, 28).
What’s incredible too is that the last quote, that of blessing those who curse you, Jesus said in this context: Look, anyone can be nice to those who are nice to them. but I’m saying don’t just be nice to those who are nice and kind to you, be kind to those who treat you like dirt. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we did that!
Antiquated book? Hardly.
