The Bible’s writings date back thousands of years. But how can they shape our actions today? And how can you inspire students to live out their faith in the 21st century?
In the final part of this mini-series, brought to you by Bible Society, we’re exploring how to apply biblical principles to everyday life. In this piece, we’re unpacking the final phase of our ‘head, heart, hands’ approach to Scripture – a motif that’s central to our latest publication, the Everyday Faith Bible.
The ‘hands’ dimension is the practical outworking of living a life shaped by Scripture. We can read or listen to the Bible, but we’re also called to put it into action: to not only trust in its message, but be transformed by it.
So, what does this look like in your life? How is your everyday life shaped by Scripture? And how can you help the students you’re meeting work out what it means to live out biblical principles in their own lives?
Here are three ways you can be inspired to apply the Bible to daily life.
- Explore Scripture’s teachings
Working out how to let Scripture shape your life starts with being immersed in Scripture. Take time to ponder over God’s word. Meditate on its meaning. Let it speak to you and reveal what that means for your everyday life.
And if you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to turn next, let Christ’s words encourage you:
‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this, “‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’
(Mark 12.30–31, NRSVce).
- Be prayerful
As you engage with Scripture, take time to prayerfully reflect on the areas that resonate with you. How do these passages reveal your heart? And what impact does that have on how you go about your day or week?
- Step out boldly
We aren’t carbon copies of each other – we weren’t designed to be. How you live out your faith will look different from someone else’s way. It’s about working out what that looks like for you – whether it’s supporting a charity that’s close to your heart, sharing an encouraging word with a neighbour or signing a petition.
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel as though the impact you’re having isn’t large enough, or to beat yourself up when you get things wrong.
But be patient with yourself. Don’t be disheartened if you feel as though you aren’t changing the world: even a kind gesture can change someone’s day for the better. And we’re in the business of serving a God who cares about the small and the personal just as much as the big stuff.
