Applying The Genius of the AND

Business and organization guru Jim Collins writes about the genius of the AND instead of the tyranny of the OR. His point is that we often make false dichotomies, we can do this OR that, instead of seeing that the better position, the genius, is to do this AND that.

Any of you who know me even a little know that I encourage people to read through the entire Bible annually. There is no better spiritual discipline than that. Nothing will strengthen your walk with God more than this practice. (Pretty strong claim!)

I have come under criticism for that. The main point of the criticism is that by such a practice you are breezing through “quantity” of Scripture and forsaking “quality.” The argument goes on that we should slow down and look at smaller passages over a longer period of time, really get to know that passage, meditate on it, especially the Psalms.

Point well taken. In fact, I have long acknowledged that reading through the Scriptures is not the same as studying them.

Get ready: the genius of the AND. Let’s commit ourselves as Christ followers both to read through the entire Scriptures annually AND dig into a particular passage, really “live with it.” Especially the Psalms.

I have been focusing on, in addition to making my way again through the Scriptures, Psalm 103, the first few verses.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

I am going through a tough season—some things at work, we recently moved into a house that needs rescuing from Father Time, there has been a death in the family, assorted other projects that are hanging out there, and I watch a little too much news. (Not asking for sympathy—who doesn’t enter such a season!) Meditating on a shorter passage, even memorizing it, has proven to be helpful. While I keep to my reading schedule, “ANDing”, also focusing on a smaller section of the life-giving word of God has been very helpful, even… genius.

The genius of the AND will help you on your path toward significance. Develop a regular practice of reading through the Scriptures annually AND delve into smaller sections of God’s word to really get to know it. The power of the Word is too great to succumb to the tyranny of the OR.