The Living Bible Translation
The way you live your life can be the most convincing Bible translation.
Four pastors were discussing the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its beautiful English. Another liked the New American Standard Bible because it is more literal. Still another liked the Christian Standard Bible because of its updated vocabulary. The fourth pastor was silent. When urged to provide his opinion, he said, “I like my mother’s translation best, because she translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I have ever seen.”
Those who do not share our same faith likely do not read the Bible or even own a Bible; instead, they read us. When we identify ourselves as Christians, whether through spoken word, a bumper sticker, or a necklace, we become reading material. We are being read all the time. Unfortunately, there are many self-identified Christians who are not providing a Bible translation worth reading or following.
How we respond to difficult times provides an authentic glimpse into our lives with Christ. If unbelievers observe us responding well in the face of life’s challenges, they will be more open to finding out how they can have the same outlook on life, because let’s face it—we all experience pain, temptations, and challenging times. If we as Christians act no differently than anyone else when times get tough, then there is nothing different about us; nothing different to be inspired by or to emulate.
Believers mature in their faith not primarily through additional information, but through intentional imitation of Christ. We imitate Christ because it is the only way the love we’ve received becomes tangible enough for others to taste.
We should let Scripture sink so deep that it reshapes us from the inside out. Then we keep walking. We keep loving. We keep trusting, even when the road is rocky.
In the end, the most persuasive Bible verse is the one written across a life. May we all have the courage to translate it well.