I’m sure you’re familiar with the concept of selective listening, and if you’re a parent, you’ve likely accused your children of it. It’s when you listen but only hear the messages you want to hear, while somehow ignoring everything else, even if it’s said. It’s as if you’re deaf to any instruction other than those you want to hear. This idea of selective listening got me thinking and I realized that this selective behavior also applies to reading.

For years, there were certain parts of scripture that I preferred to avoid. Some of these were for legitimate reasons, as I didn’t see how they could add value to my life. Additionally, there were scriptures whose messages I understood but didn’t want to accept. I’m not alone in this selective reading behavior. As believers, we often practice selective reading when it comes to the word of God. Popular verses like “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “nothing can separate me from the love of God” easily roll off our tongues. We appreciate the messages they convey and enjoy the perceived benefits of these scriptures.

Then there are the scriptures we prefer to avoid. For instance, “As much as you can, be at peace with each other. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, and forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” We tend to avoid this when we don’t want to forgive or when we want to give free rein to our anger because we feel justified in our offense. I’ve heard many believers say they won’t forgive, which I believe is a result of selective reading, neglecting Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” What offense could be greater than what we did to God? We cost Him the life of His most precious, His own Son. We willfully caused this because of our sin. When I hear believers say they won’t forgive, that verse quickly comes to mind. When I’ve thought I don’t want to forgive, that scripture runs through my mind. I realized that I have to forgive, that I must forgive because God forgave me. How can I ask or require Him to forgive me so much if I’m not willing to forgive others?

What about the scripture about what true religion and what it is? According to James 1:27  religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. You see scripture says that true religion is not attending church every Sunday, it’s not having Christian radio stations bumper stickers plastered on your car, or even blasting worship music.  It’s not wearing a cross or witness wear. No true religion is when you are the hands and feet of Jesus and you minister to orphans, shut-ins, widows, the disregarded, the forgotten, those in prison, the homeless on the streets, the neighbors in need who offer nothing in return. True religion is giving freely the love of God through acts of service, kindness, and selfless generosity. That’s what scripture says. It also says that Jesus will one say to certain people that I was hungry, and you fed me, I was naked and you gave me clothes, I was sick or in prison and you visited me. That whatever you do to the least of these you’ve done unto me. Do you see the message that’s so clearly there if you will choose not to selectively read scripture but instead take it as a whole. 

The very reason God chose Israel was so they could be blessed and, in turn, bless others. Nothing that God sends out returns empty or simply ends. Our salvation and the life we have in Christ are meant to be shared with others. This creates a cycle of life and growth. It flows through us and continues to others, rather than stopping with us. That’s what scripture teaches.

I challenge you to consider all of scripture, even the parts that make you uncomfortable because they highlight areas in your heart and mind that need change. King David expressed it best in Psalm 139 when he said, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” We should ask God to search us and use scripture as a guide to identify aspects of ourselves that need transformation or removal. If you only selectively read scripture, you’ll miss the full message of the gospel of Christ. Your salvation wasn’t just for you; it was a gift meant to be shared as you forgive, show kindness, serve, and love others. Ultimately, this glorifies your Father in heaven by generously offering all you are in service to Him, just as Christ offered all of Himself for you.

He doesn’t expect us to accomplish everything in one day. It’s a process, but choose today to open your heart and spirit to the transformative word of life. Choose today to embrace and fully absorb the message found in scripture. Pray the prayer David prayed and truly mean it. Then watch as the word of God, which is more powerful than you can imagine, transforms, renews, and gives you brand new vision and eyes to see the world and others. Not as problems to be solved or annoyances to avoid, but as lost souls desperate for the same amazing gift you have already received so freely. Will you read it all and let it change you? Will you read it all and let it transform others as it flows through you? Will you stop selectively reading and embrace the full gospel of Christ?