“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
My friend Angus is an interpreter, one of the best I’ve ever worked with. He works as an Oji-Cree translator for various sovereign
Indigenous governmental organizations and as a pastor in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. He cultivates a profound love for translation! Angus’
approach to his work is that of an expert, translating “word-for-word” and keeping the meaning as exact as possible.
Other interpreters may use a “paraphrasing” approach that encapsulates the general meaning of what’s being said, but not the exact words. Angus operates at a higher level of linguistic definitude than that. I love listening to the oratory excellence in his work!
When we consider how we view the authority of God’s Word, we may adopt the rationale that, because a verse doesn’t line up with our
own beliefs, it can be overlooked and disregarded, or that certain things shouldn’t necessarily apply to our own spiritual walk. That’s a whole lot different than Angus’ targeted degree of accuracy and excellence in communicating exactly what is written or being said!
God gave us His written Word as the standard for our belief system, the “override” button for false or erroneous teachings, and the
ultimate authority over what’s true or false. It can’t mean one thing for one person, but something else for another. God’s Word is a constant in our changing world and His communication to each of us.
1 Peter 1:20 (KJV) says: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”
How do we see the function of Scripture in our personal walk? How should we view those things that don’t line up with our understanding? Let’s take Angus’ perspective and allow God’s Words to impact our lives like God intended them to!
— Kene Jackson
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org