10 scriptures I wish weren’t in the Bible

Before you all try to burn me at the stake for heresy here, I’m not trying to carve up the Bible. These are simply passages that are especially challenging for me, and probably most people. There are verses that most people don’t believe are in the Bible, like “Money is the answer to everything”, but these ones I struggle with because I’m simply not where I need to be spiritually. And while I say I wish they weren’t in the Bible, a closer truth is that I wish my life exemplified them and that I personally didn’t find them so hard to live out. 

1. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭

How are y’all doing at valuing others above yourself? I mean, my kids, probably. But beyond my family? Maybe not. 

2. “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”‭‭ Proverbs‬ 12:1

I’m working real hard at this, but I’m pretty sure I fall into the “stupid” category. Raise your hand if you love correction. 

3. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:1‬ 

I want to be done with sin! Suffer in the body? No, thank you. 

4. Pretty much the whole Sermon on the Mount should be on this list, but here’s a good one: ““Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭

Is this the kind of blessing Jabez was praying for? Cause when I think of “blessing”, insults and persecution aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. 

5. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8 

I love reading my Bible. I do it (almost) every day. But meditate on it day and night? Not quite there yet. Wish I was! Pray for me. 

6. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19‬ ‭

Everyone loves this scripture, actually. Always quoting it and stuff. But when I think of how much discipling I’ve actually done, this is a reminder of how much I need to grow in this area. Although I’d like to think my blog has done a bit of this *checks stats to see all the countries that have visited gloriousmomblog.com. Oh, 150. Awesome!*

7. How about the first half of Matthew‬ ‭5:22: “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”

I hope “brother or sister” doesn’t include “spouse”, because then I’m in trouble. I mean, who’s never been mad at their spouse? I guess some repentance is in order. 

8. Another gem from the Sermon on the Mount: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭5:39‬ ‭

This one is a little easier for me because I’ve seen the fruit of this kind of reaction in my life. It has the power to transform you and breaks any power an “evil person” can hold over you. Doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. 

9. James is another challenging book to read. Listen to this one: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James‬ ‭1:26‬

Watching what we say is hard for EVERYONE, but out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks! Man. Worthless. No room there, James. None at all. 

10. The last one I have is another one in James: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesnʼt do it, it is sin for them.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:17‬ 

I asked my husband which scripture he had a hardest time with, and he said, “husbands love your wives.” He thought he was being clever. 

But seriously, if after reading this list you aren’t convinced that you’ll never be good enough without God’s help, read this post here. Sometimes we just need a reminder that we’re completely incapable of being good, righteous, or holy without divine assistance and that seriously the most spiritual thing we can do, like this man here, is admit our failings to God and ask Him for help.