“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
I Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1th.5.21.nkjv
As I continue to trek with Christ, I can’t help but be dumbfounded when I find other believers don’t know the Bible. They haven’t read it. Yet, they claim to know God. I suspect they mean they are fed the Word by someone else to garner their knowledge and understanding. Relying on others to tell you what the Bible says leaves you vulnerable, unsure of truth and prey for deceivers.
Reading the Bible guides you to truth with God. God instructs you through His Word. There is no substitute to getting His word right from His mouth. Some say they don’t understand the language of His word. Having the Holy Spirit guide you on understanding solves this dilemma. Also, there are easy versions of the Bible available that have been proven extremely accurate in decoding. If you have trouble with the King Hanes Version maybe try the Easy Version or the New International Version.
Some say they don’t have time to read His Word. They are too busy with life. Well, your eternity depends on knowing and performing God’s word and you don’t want to read it from source? Time is valuable but, in my opinion, eternity is even more valuable.
Some say they get all the knowledge they require from their Religious leadership. Although there are completely upright, truth filled religious leaders, there are also false leaders ready to deceive you. How do you know which religious leader is on God’s side and which leaders “… come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)? The Bible is your armor to protect you from being deceived. For the armor to work, you literally have to pick it up, open the pages and get reading. Not doing so is like leaving your bullet proof vest in the car and being involved in a gun fight.
You would be surprised to know some leaders in Church don’t pick up the Bible. How can you rely on their direction when they haven’t read the instruction manual which is the Bible? Its funny how many people buy furniture at IKEA and wonder why it turns out to be a mess when all they had to do was read the instruction manual first.
Did you know God cherishes those who read the Bible? The only gift you can give Him is your love and show that love through reading His word, praying on His word and be obedient to His word. He loves and forgives you out of Grace. He frankly owes you nothing. So, doesn’t it make sense to show your love towards Him by reading and listening to Him through His main source being the Bible?
Go ahead. Pick up the Bible and read it. Your eternity depends on it. Your protection from deception hinges on it. Knowing the truth leans on it. Reading it shows your love towards God. God wants to spend time with you through His Word. Wouldn’t it make sense to spend time with the One who gives you everlasting life?
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
