Nancy Hughes: Is it okay to add or subtract?

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)

The title of the article caught my attention: “Eleven Secrets of Irresistible People.” I have friends I would consider to be in that category so I read on to determine if they were in possession of any of the “secrets” that made them impossible to ignore.

The first two “secrets” stated that irresistible people treat everyone with respect and focus on them and what they have to say. No argument from me. But the third one caught me by surprise. 

It stated that irresistible people “follow the Platinum Rule” and not the “Golden Rule” found in Matthew 7:12 when Jesus tells his listeners “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

The author of the article went on to explain that the Golden Rule – treating others as you want to be treated – had a “fatal flaw.” 

His reasoning determined that not all people are motivated by the same thing and in the same way. So he came to the conclusion that we should simply treat people as THEY want to be treated and if we do that, we will have corrected the “fatal flaw” in the words of Jesus. 

If the author is right, then anything is allowed. Anything. The alcoholic who wants you to get him a drink before he drives can do that with your blessing. The deacon who wants you to ignore him as he steals from the church treasury should not be reported.

The woman wanting to keep her affair secret from her family should have her wishes honored. After all, it’s how each of these individuals wants to be treated, correct? 

But the Scripture from Deuteronomy 4:2 could not be any clearer: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

There is a real danger when man decides to change and adapt God’s word to suit him and to make him happy. Where do you stop?

For example, someone is bothered by Jesus rising from the grave so let’s change that part of the Word. And what about hell? Too tough to think about so let’s throw it out altogether. 

When the creation does not like parts of the Creator’s Word and changes them, the outcome will be disastrous.

Read the Word and follow what the Lord has shown you. Period. Do not add or subtract parts that you may not like. God’s Word was written to all of us for a reason. Adding or subtracting what we may not like or agree with has eternal consequences.

Father, your words are truth. May I never forget that all wisdom comes from you. And may I follow your every Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

· Have you ever wondered if parts of the Bible were flawed, as the author stated? If so, what parts and why?

Apply

· Journal examples of wisdom from the world and compare them with God’s Word in the Bible. Ask the Lord to make clear the passages you do not understand.

· Speak with those with Biblical knowledge who have studied the Word to explain verses that are confusing to you. Pray for clarity. 

Power

· Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV) “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

· I Corinthians 1:25 (NIV) “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

· Proverbs 14:7 (NIV) “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)