Bill Brandstatter
I recently saw the above question asked on a sign in the window of a large department store. It, of course, is referring to data on cell phones; but when it comes to our Christian lives, are we ever in need of more data? The answer to that question is “yes”.
A synonym for data is information, facts, or figures. We need lots of these in Christianity. God wants all men to come to the knowledge of the truth-1 Tim. 2:4. Data or information and facts are the very essence of Christianity. While some rely on experience and testimony, the Bible teaches that facts and information are very important to the Christian. I can’t be saved without some very vital data. James wrote: “Receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21) Jesus stated that all that have “heard and have learned of the Father cometh unto me.” (Jno. 6:45) Faith is produced by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17) The Bible contains facts and information that must be obeyed and incorporated into our lives.
The amount of data never exceeds its limits. The more a person knows biblically, the more a person needs to know. There was a problem in the Old Testament with people not knowing what they needed to know. Their limit should have been increased. Hosea penned these words, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Ho. 4:6) There is, however, no limit to the spiritual data package Christians have. The more we have the more we need. (2 Pet. 1:5-11)
The amount of data is determined by the package. The wireless carrier I am with has certain packages of data you can buy. The amount is unlimited within that package. If you exceed the amount, an extra fee is charged. In Christianity, we need an unlimited package. We do. God gives us exceedingly abundantly above all that we think or ask. (Eph. 3:20) We may forget at times. (Jer. 2:32) The world is trying to distract us and pull us away. (Rom. 12:2; Col. 2:8) That is why our data needs to be renewed frequently. (Rom. 12:2)
The amount of data is often shared with others. Many cell phone plans have shared data. On my plan, my wife and I share the data. In Christianity the data or information we obtained should be shared with others. It is designed to be done that way. The apostles were told by our Lord to preach the gospel. (Mark 16:15) The early Christians went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)
How are you with the data of the Bible? Keep in mind that the Bible has everything we need to be all that we need to be. (2 Tim. 3:16,17;2 Pet. 1:3) Make sure you have enough data.
