I have been learning about WordPress widgets. That term may sound impressive if you don’t speak the lingo, but it’s not that technical.
In this case, a widget is an application that allows the user to perform a particular function. And depending on the chosen WordPress theme, a variety of widgets are available. All I have to do is click on the name of the widget, adjust the settings, and it works!
I don’t have to write code, study JavaScript, HTML or CSS–which is great, because I don’t even know what those letters stand for! All I know is that once selected, these handy widgets work automatically. Somebody else programmed them for me.
Years ago (I believe it was about 6,000, but that’s not my point) God created many “firsts”–the first elm, the first daffodil, the first poodle, the first trout, and so on. He also created Adam and Eve. And He made each “first” with seed, or self-propagating capabilities, built in.
That’s why He rested on the seventh day. God did not have to create “seconds” or “thirds” because everything in creation reproduced. He purposefully programmed living things to multiply.
God also “programmed” His Word to help us, if we’ll take advantage of its power:
1. The Bible can give us discernment. It enables us to distinguish fleshly thoughts from godly thoughts.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2. God’s Word can bring us into maturity. It teaches us to live responsibly.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
3. Scripture can impart wisdom. It gives God’s perspective, enabling us to comprehend things we could not otherwise grasp.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
In a more earthly example of such programming, Jesus compares Scripture to a seed three times in Mark 4. Though a mystery, just as a seed is “programmed” to produce new life, the Word of God reliably reproduces God’s life in us, given the right conditions.
Just as a seed of corn needs healthy soil, consistent watering, and sunlight to successfully reproduce, the Word of God needs a soft heart, consistent meditation, and faith to transform us.
And as there are thousands of available widgets, the Bible contains tens of thousands of verses–more than anyone could apply and meditate on in a lifetime.
We needn’t understand the “code” embedded in Scripture. We simply “plug it in” and God’s Word sprouts within us. Our job is simply to plant the seed and maintain soft hearts.
