A Politically Correct Bible

 November 25, 2024

Monday

There is a difference between a translation of the Bible and a version of the Bible. Typically a translation is done by one person. A version is done by a group of people. Yes, it appears that the versions of the Bible you have been reading have come from a committee. Of course, "For God so loved the world that He didn't send a committee."

There are good reasons to have a committee. It depends upon the knowledge of all of the people on the committee in choosing how the Bible is "translated." Thus, there will be less heresy than is possible from an individual. The negative side of a committee is that many times compromises are made to keep everyone happy. Therefore, a version of a Bible can become politically correct.

Let's take an example. Most versions of the Bible say that Paul, Peter and James called themselves bond- servants of the Lord. 

Romans 1:1 (NASB 2020) ¹ Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

2 Peter 1:1 (NASB 2020)¹ Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

James 1:1 (NASB 2020) ¹ James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

The word used is slave. Bond-servant is only accurate when someone understands what a bond-servant is.

According to Collins Dictionary a bond-servant is: 1.a person who serves in bondage; slave. 2. a person bound to service without wages.

Thus, a bond-servant is a slave. He is owned by a master and is bound to obey the master. Yet, bond-servant sounds much more politically correct. The sound of servant sounds like someone who serves under his own authority and might even get tips. That is not the meaning of this word.

Our gospel often sings "and now I am happy all the day." But being a slave isn't all about happiness. It is service without question. It is abandoning your own will to do the will of another. It has nothing to do with focusing on yourself. The focus is on the Master.

On the other side, it is not drudgery because the Master loves you and wants the very best for you. That very best is found in following Him. Following Him is the life of a slave.

There are lots of pluses in being a slave. You never look for another job. You always have the same Master. You don't need to worry about your needs for the Master provides.

For all the books that tell us how to grow a church and set priorities and develop visions, the secret is still found in becoming a slave. It is His church, His priority and His vision.

Honestly, I want to be a slave. I call myself one. I want to fully comply as a slave. I am tired to trying to do things without the Master's directive. I don't want to be able to lose anything because nothing belongs to me. I don't want to be concerned about the economy or my retirement account. I am His slave all the days of my life.

Yes, I am a slave even if that isn't politically correct.