They read and find that, far from a rule book, the Bible is complex and multilayered. Long-forgotten or even unknown ideas and doctrines reveal themselves. Stories present moral quandaries that are never resolved. Some areas of life are not even addressed directly. Questions bubble up, multiply, and spill over the edge. They may even turn to their local leadership for answers — and receive none.

To my mind it is the greatest ecclesiastical failing of our time that many pastors and teachers have been raised up to know more about people skills and agreeableness and less of God’s Word. It is a failing of churches that do not focus on the truth of scripture, who start with a little of the Gospel and then retreat behind the safety of becoming a social club. They are great hearts, perhaps, and eager to improve the state of others, but powerless to resist the evil that oppresses everything around us. It is in this state that eager souls are turned away from the truth, made bitter, and formed into tragic enemies of God.

How did things get so twisted in so many places? That reminds me of the story of Stephen Glass. Stephen was a reporter for The New Republic magazine at the end of the last decade. In search of sensational articles, he began to fabricate parts of his stories. Eventually they were complete lies.

In a 2003 interview with 60 minutes, Mr. Glass detailed the way he would sell people on his stories. First he would write something true, a verifiable fact. Then there would be a slightly shaky piece of information, but still mostly true. Then mostly false. Finally came the out-and-out lies. But by that time, people were so interested in the story that they didn’t notice or didn’t care. By the end, Glass’s readers had no way of grasping the truth of a situation and were forced to accept his version of the story.

Most lies work that way — at least, the really effective ones do. A lie that fools millions of people doesn’t start off as a lie. There is a gradual leading away from truth, even when that truth is used as the bait to keep people listening. Yes, the most engaging lies begin with a truth.

How does this relate to our former church-goers? Many, if not most, have been the victims of a monstrous lie: the lie that Christians can live life with only a shallow knowledge of God, His principles, or His Word. Perhaps they began with the truth and slowly allowed their hunger to be sated and their thirst to be quenched with a little less of God and a little more of their own philosophy. Year after year, congregations began to lose the vigor and strength that God has freely available for the Christian. A little less of God and a little more of ourselves. No need to expose people to hard questions; no need to give them answers. A little less of Bible truth and moral living, a little more of “the good life” and compromise, until the only trace of God is a remnant.

“A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again.”   — Alexander Pope

So I issue a challenge to you this week: dig in and dig out. Dig in to the Word, if you don’t already read it, and get the truth for yourself. Find out what God has to say about your situation. And dig out — if someone you know is having a hard time or has questions about the Bible, help them study to find the answer. Pray that God would show you the explanation. Don’t settle for less. Don’t give a little here and a little there. Drink largely of the living water!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”  — Proverbs 3:5-6

As a little girl, I used to like to fish with my brothers… except for when my fishing line would get tangled. I would sit for many frustrating minutes — wasting my time, as I saw it — trying to untangle that mess. It seemed like the more I tried the worse the tangle became. Life can be like that. Complex!

Sometimes my questions are more than my answers, my month more than my money and my burdens more than my strength. My mind becomes wrapped in cares and tangled with vexing situations and try as I may I cannot get peace… until I do a little thing that I’ve learned along the way.  I wrote about it in a sort of poem one particularly memorable time.  My home was taken by fire that year, the day after Christmas, my marriage was crumbling and I was stumbling in a darkness I had never felt the likes of before.  Here is the poem:

Today I set aside all my worries and cares
For a few moments
I dropped all I was doing.
I stopped long enough to step down from this whirling ride of life,
And I left the crowds behind.
I walked and turned a few corners away from distraction.
My foot-steps made their way in the direction
From which I heard you calling all day long.
And you met me there.
And with tear stained eyes and raised hands
I lifted a praise from my lips
to the one who hung
Between this old world and the heaven of heavens
For me!
You’re always there when I call, always near when I cry.
Every time I’ve a need, you supply.
You’re faithful!
In your presence where refreshing winds blow
They dry my tears,
Calm my fears
Give me direction.
Come with me as we walk up a hillside
Though it’s a climb, it’s worth it,
You will see
I can hear His voice,
I will make the choice.
If you have sin, He forgives
If you are weak, He has strength
If you fear, He gives courage
If you are helpless, He brings security.

Are you confused and lonely, wondering and wandering, trying several paths, not knowing which is right? Do you wish you knew the outcome? Do you ask for direction but seem to get no answers? Does life seem mind boggling and complex? Let me reassure you, it is! But you’re not alone. It was like that for me too. You’re not alone! You may not know all the answers but you can know the One who does. You see, peace is not a thing. It is a person: the Person of Jesus Christ. Most of the answers you need to know will come in due time. Some answers you probably don’t even need. Life can be complex, but trust in the One who made life, who walks every step before you, and life will be much more enjoyable.