I attended a watercolor painting workshop yesterday afternoon. I recently mentioned to my husband that it was something I’d like to try and he gave me a watercolor kit for Valentine’s Day. Then this workshop showed up on my Facebook page. I knew it was something that I had to experience.

And experience I did. With a group of nine other ladies, our instructor, Marti, gave us detailed instructions. Step by step we began the process of building the chosen scene.

What was most interesting to me is that there was one instructor. But at the end of day, there were eleven different looking scenes. Each person had a different level of talent, perception and creativity. Each person there interpreted Marti’s instruction differently. Each person there created something unique to them.

Each was different due to colors chosen, the size of the house and the amount of color actually placed onto the paper, but each was beautiful in its own way. Reminds me of a Ray Stevens’ song…one of his serious ones.

My mind then wandered to God’s Word. His Bible holds a great deal of information for us. It is filled with instruction, guidelines for living, and commands. There is only one Author. God.

So why are there so many interpretations of the Bible? Why are there so many versions? Why are there so many different churches? I’m not sure I can answer this question adequately, but here is my take on it. It’s because of the human hands and minds that have taken God’s Holy Word and given it their own meaning.

I can read a passage of Scripture and say it means one thing. Someone else can say it means another. And then a biblical scholar might disagree with both of us and say it means something completely different.

Is it any wonder people are confused about God’s Word? Is it any wonder some have chosen not to believe because of the discrepancies between denominations and versions?

So here are my thoughts on all of this.

First, we must study God’s Word and allow His Holy Spirit to lead us to an understanding of what Scripture says. There have been many times in my Bible study life that I’ve thrown out the commentaries and saturated myself with what God has to say about a certain topic or passage. Then I wait for Him to enlighten me. It may not work for all, but it does work for me.

If we do not know what God’s Word has to say, we will just accept whatever someone else says it says. Please don’t be an uninformed follower. Study God’s Word for yourself.

Second, I believe we must trust the source we receive information from. Again, please don’t just like a preacher because of their preaching style. Love him for his willingness to preach the Word. God’s Word. In its whole. The good and the bad. Sin and its consequences. Heaven and hell. Jesus and His fullness. Not just things that tickle the ears of the audience (2 Timothy 4:2-3).

As we get to know a minister and his character and integrity, we will then be able to trust what he has to say about God’s Word.

Third, if Jesus isn’t taught as Scripture presents Him, then we must not accept the teaching of that particular teacher, church or minister. Anything outside of Scripture is false. Anything less than the fullness of Scripture is also false. And if we do not know who Jesus is, we cannot know God and all that He has to offer us (John 14:9-14).

Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus answered Thomas in John 14:6-7 (NIV) with these words. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

If we really know Jesus…

If we call ourselves “Christian”, a follower of Christ, shouldn’t we know Him? So tell me, what do you know about Jesus? I want to know. There is plenty of room for comments below.

Of course, I could tell you what I know about Jesus, but then that would go against what I wrote about today. My goal here is for you to think and study and then tell others what you know or have learned. It’s no less than what Jesus calls us to do.

I look forward to using my watercolor kit. I learned so much in the workshop and while it may not be exactly what I envision it to be, I believe I will find joy and peace through this creative outlet of watercolor painting.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna