Can we ignore the true meaning of words?

Sometimes we read through the Bible without giving much thought to the meaning of the words that are written.  We somehow assume that God's message will shine through and benefit us even though we fail to carefully and humbly examine the specific terms and grammar of that message.  However, the very words of scripture are inspired and God intends for us to take them seriously, examine them carefully, and understand them accurately.  We are not to take a liberal attitude toward the Word of God, nor a cavalier approach to what is written.  We are to accept it as written and not by how loosely it can be interpreted.

Again and again God tells us to hear, read, believe, and obey His divine revelation, a revelation given by means of inspired words.  "Every word of God is tested" (Proverbs 30:5).  We must neither add to nor take from His authoritative words (Rev. 22:18-19).  We must approach them with awesome fear and respect (Isaiah 66:2) since we will meet them in Judgment (John 12:48). In truth, the words of Christ will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).  With  these thoughts in mind, no topic should be seen as minor and no issue as unimportant.  Simply put, a willingness to disregard the true meaning of a scripture or biblical concept in order to push a peculiar view is a symptom of  disrespect for the truth and the authority of scripture.

The Bible is full of examples of man being given instructions on the proper way to fulfill His commands.  In Leviticus 10, the details of the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron are recorded. It was not their desire to follow the commands of God but the cavalier approach they took to doing it.  God expects His commands to be followed as given and it is unwise to "think of a better way" to do it.  This same attitude was seen by King Saul when he chose to "tweak" God's plan for the Amalekites in 1st Samuel 15. Both examples my seem harsh to us today, but God is not to be mocked or taken lightly.  The point of this post is not to point out a certain issue but to warn Christians, especially leaders to hold the scriptures in high regard and always "err on the side of caution" when deciding on the direction to lead the body.

Yes means yes, not maybe, Stop means stop, not slow down. Now means now, not later. All means all, not most. Words have meanings, they are not "silly putty", to be stretched and molded to fit our current moods or sensibilities.