It’s Not Bad Advice: Read the Bible
People seem amazed that I didn’t read the Bible before that point, especially after going through 12 years of Catholic school. But when I read it in school, it was reading to remember facts like who came first–Abraham or Jacob?–for the sake of passing a test in religion class.
The concept of the “living word” eluded me, and as a result, I began to reap what I sowed in life.
Why Read the Bible? 3 Reasons
More than three reasons exist to read the Bible, but these three have made a direct impact on my life. Please feel free to add more in comments below. Your experience matters.
1. The Bible tells us about God
We can speculate all we want about who or what God is and what he wants for us, but if we really want to know who He is, we just have to read the Bible. In John 5:39-40, Jesus says clearly, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
2. The Bible gives us a roadmap for how to live our lives
As a result of being about God, the Bible reveals the not-so-secret details about how God wants us to live our lives.
A number of verses point us to this truth, but 2 Timothy 3:16 says it clearly: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Also Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” Amen!
3. As we read the Living Word, our life is transformed
As an English major in college, I read tons of books for interest, cultural knowledge and background information. The concept of a “living word” confounded me, and so I basically dismissed it as some kind of Christian lingo.
But the Living Word is nothing short of a miracle handed directly to us in a language we can understand. When we read the Bible, especially when we pray that God reveals Himself to us through His words, we start to notice a shift in reality. We start to see what’s truly real.
I’ve asked some questions in my mind. I’ve wondered about some controversial topics in my heart. I’ve read the Bible and let the words sink in. Answers came.
How can it be explained in our limited human understanding?
It takes faith, but I believe that reading the Word helps transform our whole life–mind, body and soul. When we read the Bible, new insights are revealed and deeper levels of faith are uncovered. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Start where you want. Pray for guidance while you read. Watch how God increases in your life. It’s not bad advice: Read the Bible.