Rich Dixon is helping us to remember.

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Recently, Jon said we often forget parts of the story.

Speaking for myself, I tend to forget big parts of the story most of the time. Here’s an example.

Over on my blog (richsride.org), I’ve been focused for a while on the Sermon on the Mount. By itself, I suppose that’s okay. But it’s awfully easy to begin thinking those three chapters encapsulate Jesus’ entire message. It’s a small step from there to ignoring the entire big story of which those three chapters are only an important piece.

Why this myopia when I obviously know better? I think it’s because I, and maybe you, have this tendency to pick-n-choose parts of the Bible that fit our circumstances or support our narrative.

In my example, the Sermon on the Mount reinforces my core message about supporting the kids at the Home of Hope. Especially when you consider the audience, which wasn’t the in-crowd of a synagogue or the temple. Jesus addressed this outline of what his Kingdom looked like to folks who were outcasts. Those who suffered most under Roman occupation and the corrupt taxation system.

The least of these.

See what I mean?

There’s nothing wrong with immersing myself in a part of Scripture. What’s wrong – and dangerous – is the process of pick-n-choosing the comfortable parts, the parts that fit my argument, the parts that match my particular cultural biases… and pretending the other parts aren’t important or simply don’t exist.

It’s not that I’m concerned about the big story of Scripture supporting the notion of doing our best to rescue and restore our kids rescued from human trafficking. In fact, rescue and restoration IS the big story of the Bible.

But looking back, I do find myself hyper-focused on a particular collection of verses that advance my position. Not sure that’s the point of knowing the Bible.

Knowing Jesus is the point.