The Bible has a lot of hard stuff inside – things we may not want to hear or even try to understand. And it’s even harder to think about, since we hear different messages from just about every direction – messages that go against the grain of what God intended for us to live and experience.

It’s easy to blame others for these wrong messages: the industry that produces today’s entertainment, politicians or church leaders.

When Paul was writing to the people of Colossae, he stated that he wanted to proclaim “his [God’s] entire message to you.” Not part, but all.

As I look to the Bible to find truths that will help me follow Jesus, it’s easy to skip over the parts that don’t fit with what I am feeling each day. It’s hard to counsel people I love when I see them wander from truths in the Bible.

Paul also said, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” I think that’s what he was talking about when he talked about proclaiming God’s entire message.

I’m still trying to figure out how to help others the way Paul did and to do what is right. And I’m not strong enough to always do what God wants.

Just a few sentences after he writes about proclaiming God’s entire message, Paul shares his source of strength to do what is right: “…depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”

If I don’t read the Bible, I won’t understand what’s wrong in my life. Reading the Bible together is better yet. We can better figure out what God wants.

Paul Merrill writes here every first Friday.