The conversation with my Uber driver was enlightening. We were traveling from the hotel to a pre-opening gathering of the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. (It officially opens Saturday, November 18th.)
I asked the driver if she had heard about the Museum of the Bible and she had. She then asked me: “Oh, which Bible is it, the Holy Bible?”. The rest of the conversation was intriguing, and I wished we had a couple of hours.
I’ve been a Christian leader for a long time and still have naïve thoughts, such as, everyone in America at least knows about the Bible and what it is. Not true. By the time we were done with the conversation my new acquaintance wanted to “check it out.” Her parting comment on that topic: “I’m not sure about all this, but I think my mom will like it.” (The Museum)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
If you don’t know about the Museum of the Bible, you need to check it out. Even if you are not a “museum kind of person” this is different, way different. It’s in the heart of DC, and it will quickly become revered amongst the most impressive, modern, and interactive experiences you can imagine.
Deployed over six floors is everything from ancient manuscripts to a life-size replica walk through of a village representing Jewish life at the time of Jesus. The video presentations are amazing, and I love the interactive digital features. The kids loved them!
The Museum makes a significant and positive statement about the Bible in the heart of our nation’s capital. It provides a place of prominence for God’s Word for everyone, from a devout Christian to a Muslim, to a wonderful Uber driver.
My favorite section was the area that described the foundation of our country and the connection to God and His Word. This included presidential documents that were fascinating.
This experience made me think about three questions in a fresh way.
- I’m sharing my personal and candid reflections with you.
- Do these questions challenge you as well?
1) How bold am I about God’s Word?
Today’s culture is tolerant of so many things, but the Bible doesn’t seem to make that list. It’s easy for me to slip into being politically correct, talking about God’s love, but slow to mention God’s Word for fear of offending. But the reality is, as long as I’m not personally offensive, God’s Word will only help, not hurt.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3 Timothy 3:16-17
2) How involved am I in helping God’s Word get translated in every language in every country?
When I think about what will last beyond me, it’s really only two things. People and God’s Word. Both are eternal. These two things capture my heart and attention and therefore get my time.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
There are so many opportunities now to invest in scripture translation. They are easy, accessible and many are becoming available to individuals at “bite-sized” investments.
3) How closely do I tie my leadership to God’s truth?
Hopefully, this area is strong for me, but I’m challenged to take a closer look. It is vitally important for me to genuinely know how what I think, say and write is connected to God’s Word.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
