I had the privilege of serving on the local Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. During that time, we had an excellent chief, who worked hard to equip and train us, for our own personal safety and effectiveness as first responders. One of the things he did was to study the best practices of our responsibilities, then teach them to the rest of us. He would read many other sources to gain the correct understanding of the challenges we faced in order to prepare us.
But he did more than tell us the best practices. He also guided us through putting those lessons into personal experience. Simple things, like climbing ladders or loading hoses, we practiced over and over again. The first time often seemed awkward or even inappropriate, but as we repeated the steps, they became second nature. Now, nearly forty years later, I still use those techniques when I climb a ladder.
Those methods transfer very well into the Christian life. It is great to have someone explain the Scriptures to us. It is important to have people that are willing to invest their time in research and investigation. But it is critical for each of us to take that ‘training’, and personally apply it, personally practice those techniques until they become second nature.
I have found many methods that have been helpful in studying the Scriptures. But two that are easily learned and practiced by anyone would include using a variety of translations, and following cross-references. I find using a variety of translations will often clarify the meaning of the original text. Different translations may use different words or phrases that are very helpful.
Following cross-references is very helpful in understanding the intent of the author, and in finding application to my own life. Those little superscript letters or numbers that are in most translations refer you to other passages that touch on the same or similar subjects. It takes time, but it is certainly worth the effort to learn to use these techniques.
Not every believer is called to be “Chief”. But we are all called to be disciples, to receive training and then practice, practice, practice to get better at living the Christian life.
Pastor John