Interpret Scripture Correctly

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 KJV

In an article titled "Elite Runner Makes Costly Mistake, Moments Before Finish Line" published yesterday, it was reported that a runner lost big after confusion involving a police motorcycle during the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on July 4th. A wrong turn just before the finish line of the 10-kilometer Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on Monday cost Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi the championship and thousands of dollars in prize money. Agonizing video shows the 2022 champion appearing to follow a police motorcycle and running off the course.Teferi came back onto the course and finished third. She won $3,000 rather than the $10,000 prize for first place. In a statement, the AJC Peachtree Road Race said it looked like Teferi “momentarily became confused and followed a police motorcycle when it turned off the course.” “She was within sight of the finish banner, but we understand that in the heat of competition instructions can be misinterpreted,” it added. “As an organization, we are disappointed whenever we fall short of perfection, and in this case, it appears we did.”

And you know, competition instructions aren’t the only things that can be misinterpreted. Scripture is often misinterpreted as well--something that has led many people off course. Consider Philippians 4:13, a verse that is commonly quoted (especially by athletes) but taken out of context. Many believe this portion of Scripture affirms their desire to be and to do anything they want. They believe God will give them the ability and strength to run a marathon or complete a hard task. Read in it's entirety though, we find that this is not the case. Paul is actually writing to tell the Philippians that despite his horrific situation (sitting in a prison and chained to a guard) he is content with the circumstances God is allowing in his life and trusts God’s promised provision. Furthermore, Paul states that he knows what it is to have more than what he needs and also to only have his basic life-sustaining needs met. Essentially then, the phrase, “I can do,” is not about what Paul can do on his own but that he knows he can endure any difficulty or physical need through the strengthening power of Jesus Christ. 

So be careful to read Scripture in it's entirety my friend and to always keep it in correct context. This will ensure that you don't lose sight of the finish banner and get off course. It will also ensure that you don't cause others to lose sight of it as well—something that can easily happen when the Word is misinterpreted and mishandled.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that mishandling the Word can have dire consequences too numerous to mention. Knowing that Lord, please help us to know the Word in it's entirety so that we will not fall short of quoting it as we should. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!