Manual Transmission: Personal Application and Spiritual Growth

How to Read the Bible, Part 4

I can’t even begin to describe how much it will hurt me to write the following sentence—ugh, here it goes: I think I may have been the last generation to learn to drive with a stick shift.

You know, like, a manual transmission? My generation is on the cusp of the changeover from a fair amount of manual transmissions on the road. When was the last time you saw one?

My first car was a manual transmission 1995 Nissan Pickup (before they started calling them “Frontier”). Funny enough, my dad drove an automatic transmission, so I didn’t even grow up watching him shift gears.

I remember the first time I drove it. My dad spent hours showing me what to do, explaining the clutch, and letting me practice moving from gear to gear—most notably, shifting successfully from fifth to fourth gear without accidentally going into reverse. If you know, you know.

Anyway, once the explanations were over, I remember sitting in the truck, engine running, knowing theoretically what to do but paralyzed in fear until I had the courage to give it a shot.

Bible study can be like that sometimes, ya know? We might spend time reading and learning, but if we don’t apply what we’ve learned, we miss out on the whole point. The Bible isn’t just for knowledge; it’s meant to change how we live.

Just Do It!

James 1:22 (ESV) says clearly: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." In other words, it’s not enough to read the Bible; we have to live it out. Application is where the rubber meets the road. This is the point where the truths of scripture get worked into the nitty-gritty of everyday life—how we treat people, how we make decisions, how we view the world.

But let’s be honest, applying scripture can sometimes feel like the most challenging part. It’s one thing to read about loving your enemies, but actually doing it? That’s a whole different story. The good news is that the Bible gives us practical guidance on how to put what we’ve learned into action.

Oh, I forgot. After twenty minutes of fear, I finally drove the manual transmission. Well, also, my dad had to say, “JUST DO IT!” There was lots of whiplash initially, but eventually, things smoothed out, and it became “driving” to me.

How to Apply Scripture

What follows is a relatively simple list of practical advice when applying scripture.

[[ For what it’s worth, I deleted like six theological words from this list out of fear it makes things too complicated. I’m not sure if I regret it yet or not. ]]

1. Ask Questions

   1. After reading a passage, don’t just move on without reflecting on it. Ask yourself a few key questions…

      1. What does this teach me about God?

      2. What does this teach me about the cosmos?

      3. What does this teach me about creation?

      4. What does this teach me about others?

      5. What does it teach me about myself?

      6. How should this change the way I think, speak, or act?

2. Write Out Your Thoughts

   1. Writing things down helps you process what you’re learning. Keep a journal—or something like it—where you write down what stood out to you and how you plan to apply it. You might also want to include any challenges or questions you have. This is a great way to invite the Holy Spirit into the process—after all, he is the guide! Sometimes, writing helps solidify what God is teaching you, and looking back at your notes can be a great way to see how much you’ve grown.

3. Start Small

   1. You don’t have to apply everything at once. Maybe after reading about forgiveness, you realize there’s someone you need to forgive—but that’s a big ask, and you don’t know how to start. Pick one step, like praying for that person or reaching out in kindness. Spiritual growth is a process, and God isn’t expecting perfection overnight.

   2. [[ For what it’s worth, Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." The key is taking one step at a time and trusting God to help you along the way. ]]

4. Practice Accountability

   1. Find someone you can talk to about what you’re learning and how you’re applying it. This could be a close friend, family member, or small group. They can help encourage you, keep you accountable, and challenge you to keep going when it gets tricky.

Putting It To Work

Okay, so here is what I mean…

Let’s say you’re reading Matthew 5:44 (ESV), where Jesus says, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." That’s a powerful command, but applying it can feel overwhelming. Start small. Maybe you don’t need to reconcile with someone who’s hurt you immediately, but you can begin by praying for them—asking God to soften your heart and work in their life. Over time, you may find that God gives you the strength to forgive and even love them.

Another example might be in how we manage our time. Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV) says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ask yourself: How am I spending my time? Is there something I need to cut back on so I can focus more on God, family, or serving others? Applying Scripture here could mean adjusting your schedule to prioritize what really matters.

See? It's easier than you think!

Give It A Shot!

D.L. Moody once said, "The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation." That’s the heart of application—scripture is meant to change us. It’s not just about learning facts or gaining knowledge but about allowing God’s word to shape our hearts, decisions, and relationships.

Consider taking one verse or passage from your Bible reading and writing down one practical way you can apply it. Maybe it’s changing your attitude towards a difficult situation, reaching out to someone in need, or even shifting your perspective on a tough topic. Then, take action! It might feel small, but that’s how transformation happens—one step at a time.

Hopefully, That Made Sense

Application is where the magic happens. It’s where the Bible moves from being words on a page to being the guidebook for your life. The goal isn’t just to be knowledgeable about scripture but transformed by it.

It’s where the fear of driving a truck that doesn’t shift itself suddenly is the most fun way to drive—you can quote me on that.

So don’t get overwhelmed—take it one step at a time, trusting that God is at work in you, helping you live out his word.

That said, I am also aware that you may encounter scripture that isn’t easy to apply—it feels more like a manual transmission. Well, that is what the next post is for!

Until next time,

Petey