I’ve mentioned before that I’m reading the Bible through in The Message version. This is certainly different than what I’m used to, and sometimes I question its choice of wording, but there are other times when it comes across in a much more poignant way than other versions.
Take, for instance, this passage from Luke, chapter 6, which is part of the Sermon on the Mount. See if these words don’t hit home:
But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get.
And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long.
And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games. There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it.
There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them.
Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors!
Your task is to be true, not popular.
To the point. Easily understandable. Whenever we share the Truth in a way that people can grasp, the Kingdom of God is the winner.