What's on Your List?

Here are my nominations for 10 of the Most Frequently Violated Verses of Scripture.

10. Hebrews 13:17: "Obey your leaders so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

How many of us stop and think about our leaders (in the church or any setting) and say, "I'm going to reduce their burden today"? Do we really try to make their work a joy?

9. First Corinthians 16:14: "Do everything in love."

Widespread application of this verse would result in cultural shock and awe. It would eliminate gossip, resolve inter-personal conflicts, strengthen marriages—even reduce crime.

8. Philippians 2:14: "Do everything without complaining or arguing."

No commentary needed on this one.

7. Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Why do so many Bible readers ignore this verse—or treat baptism as a non-issue despite the fact that in the Great Commission Jesus connected it with becoming one of his followers? And why do we so easily skip the part about repentance?

6. Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."

We don't like to quiet down for anything—even worship.

5. Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Where is the burning desire for excellence in our labor? What has happened to quality service, whole-hearted effort even in menial tasks, and an uncomplaining diligence that does whatever it takes to finish the job?

4. Ephesians 5:3: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people."

"Not even a hint"? Watch a typical hour of network TV, and sexual immorality and greed will smack you in the face.

3. Hebrews 12:15: "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

Even in the church, lots of people seem to be missing out on the grace of God. No wonder trouble keeps springing up like a sprout from a bitter root.

2. First Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."

We've grown so accustomed to our divisions we hardly notice them—nor do we honor the verse that says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

And finally, here's the Number One item on my list of frequently-broken Scriptures—Number One because if we learn to obey it, the rest will take care of themselves:

1. Mark 12:30: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."