When I was in college, I took time to read directions when taking tests, writing a research paper or what materials I needed to complete a course. However, I have since dispensed with reading directions often to my detriment. Upon getting a new gadget, I read how to set it up and the bare minimums but after that, I file away the booklet until I need it (such as when something doesn’t work any more). My husband often reminds me that it would be advisable to read “all” the directions to get the most out of my new gadget. Nevertheless, I persist in this bad habit, and on vacation, I discovered how silly it is to neglect this.
While we were away on vacation with the family, I took our coffee bean grinder with me so I
could make coffee each day. Fresh ground coffee beans have such a great aroma. Well, one morning, I was getting ready to make a second pot and when I went to grind my coffee beans, the grinder came apart. I thought it was broken somehow. Then, my son, who had used it last, said “No Mom, its not broken. It comes apart so you can dump the grounds out easier. Then, you put it together again and just twist it.” He was right!!! My husband laughed and said that is precisely why I need to read the directions. For two years now, I have been turning the entire grinder upside down to shake out the grounds when I could have just lifted the cup out and dumped them. Life could have been so much easier when making coffee if I had just taken the time to learn more about my grinder.
In the same way, we as believers in Christ have been given a wonderful instruction book in the Bible. The Lord who created us did not want us to wander in the dark never knowing Him or the truth about ourselves. Within its pages, we learn about how the world was created, how humankind fell into sin, and the promise of a long awaited Redeemer who would restore our close relationship to God. Yet, how many people read this most vital instruction book?
According to the Barna Group who works with the American Bible Society, “Just over one-third of U.S. adults (34%) reads the Bible once a week or more, while half (50%) read the Bible less than twice a year (including ‘never’)...Overall, one in six U.S. adults (16%) reads the Bible most days during the week, up from 12 percent in 2020” (www.barna.com/research/sotb-2021). Looking at the statistics, there seem to be many who do not see the need to look into God’s instruction book for living.
God tells us clearly what looking into the Bible can do for us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Furthermore, when it comes to the battles we face in life against the enemy of our souls (Satan), one of the weapons of our warfare is the “sword of the Spirit” (the Word of God Ephesians 6:17). If we do not know the Word, how can we combat the lies of this world system under the enemy’s control? Finally, the Bible helps us see who we are and helps us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When we examine our lives in the light of His Word, we can see more clearly where we need to grow.
2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has given to us all we need for life and godliness. We find it in His Word which is His completed revelation to us and the foundation of our faith. Therefore, let us be faithful in reading this instruction book of life on a daily basis. It will renew us, and help us as pilgrims in this world to walk in a manner that glorifies God.
Selah!
