2 Timothy 3:16, New King James Version

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,"

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4, NIV)

Perhaps you enjoy a good buffet. Picking and choosing all the foods you love, leaving behind items you’d rather live without and your taste buds thank you for it.

Choices seem endless without judgement of what you pick or don’t. 

The phrase "the Bible is not a buffet" means Christians should not pick and choose verses they like while ignoring the rest but rather accept the entire word of God as inspired by the Holy Spirit. In it says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all scripture is God-breathed and intended to be read and applied, not just the parts that are personally convenient or agreeable. To treat it like a buffet is to selectively obey and ignore verses that might be challenging or convicting. 

There are several reasons the Bible is not a buffet and should not be treated as such. 

First, the Bible is God-breathed and useful. God’s Word comes from Him, the Creator, and sets the standards for how to live the Christian life. And it proves more heart-healthy than a buffet’s “choose whatever you want.” 

Second, the Bible is nourishing and sustaining. Not only do we feed our bodies to sustain life, but we must also nourish our souls. If we filled ourselves with just "feel good" scripture we wouldn't be fully nourished. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4 NIV.)

We don’t get to pile our plates high with all the verses that satisfy our own personal tastes and leave the rest for someone else to deal with.

We don’t get to pick and choose.

We take it all as it is, or we leave it behind. There’s no middle ground.

But the brutal truth is this: Sometimes we don’t like what God’s Word says on certain subjects, but that doesn’t give us the right to ignore it or twist it to fit our preferences.

God’s Word comes as a package deal. We either believe it in its entirety, cover to cover, or not at all.

If we really believe it is the inspired Word of God, then I have got to take it as it comes.

Gristle and all!