Word Stuff

The Bible was removed from classrooms years ago. Besides being an action illegal by the First Amendment to our Constitution, it deprives students of a tool to explain where their language originated.

Barbara wrote sometime ago of these and I’ve thought for some time about several of them. Today, I have stuff on my mind.

Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. (Genesis 45:20 KJV)

So, stuff has been around for some time. The Hebrew word in Strong’s means “something prepared, that is, any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon): …” and goes on to mention a lot of other stuff, ending with “… whatsoever.” Which covers a ton of stuff.

There are a dozen verses in the Old Testament regarding stuff, only one in the New Testament.

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. (Luke 17:31 KJV)

Different root word, since the New is Greek and the Old is Hebrew, but the meaning is the same – an apparatus, implement, vessel, a variety of the same. Just as the English “stuff.”

Thus by not using the Bible as a language study aid, schools are loosing out on an excellent educational opportunity

These two verses teach us that our stuff is temporary at most. Both of these indicate that the stuff we have is not important in considering our future. According to Genesis, there is more in God’s future plans than in the past, and according to Luke, we leave all our stuff behind when God calls us.

Most assuredly, I will prefer His stuff to mine!! His gift giving is known to be much better than ours.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11 KJV)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Reading the Bible takes a bit more work than reading the newspaper or a novel. The meaning behind each of the words is important. For me it is necessary to look at the root of the words, to know the meaning was brought forward decade after decade, century after century, for millennia – and for those to come. To know that His word changes no more than He does.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17 KJV)

Take a good look at your stuff. Is there an opportunity to share it with others before leaving it behind?