5 Reasons to Read the Bible
My mother played the organ in the little church where I grew up. You would find me sitting at the end of the second row every Wednesday for choir practice, twice on Sunday, and every day of a week-long summer revival. That is a lot of churchin’. However, that doesn’t mean any of it stuck. On the contrary, most of the time, I was doodling on the bulletin, daydreaming, or wondering what we were having for lunch. Then, I started college. Yikes. To say I lost my way is an understatement.
When it comes to Biblical knowledge, I’m still a baby Christian, regardless of how many hours I logged in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Honestly, for me, reading the Bible can be intimidating. But that’s the great thing about the Bible. No formal education or training required. For years, I thought being a believer was enough. But being a believer without The Word is like the beach without waves, cake without ice cream, flowers without blooms, and eggs without grits!
Are you all for reading the Bible, but don’t know where to start? Check out this post on Tips for Reading the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start.
That being said, here are five important reasons to read the Bible.
1. The Bible may be old, but it’s alive and kickin’
It’s easy to think that something as old as the Bible would have very little relevance in a modern world but think again. “The word of God is alive and active.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV). Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG). The Bible covers so much of what we struggle with today: love, finances, friendship, fear, doubt, family, dieting, patience, health, parenting, relationships, and on and on. The Bible is just as much an instruction manual for life and a reminder of God’s love today as it was when Eve screwed everything up for all of us. Thanks, girl.
As long as the world turns, the Bible is relevant and applicable to today’s issues. In other words, there is no expiration date on the Scriptures. God’s word “is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at our feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s law will be alive and working.” Matthew 5:18 (MSG). That is an amazing shelf life! And because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” each book, chapter, and verse will always be relevant and on point for daily life. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV).
2. Reading strengthens our relationship with Christ.
I want to know Christ-really know Him, and not the kind of knowledge that comes from someone else telling me what they believe about Him or what they believe the Bible says. Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV). I want to know Him for myself. That kind of knowledge can only come through prayer and looking for Him in Scripture. The good news is that efforts to read the Scripture and know Christ will be rewarded. We only have to look for Him, He will find us. 1 Chronicles 28:9(NIV).
God sees us as we make up our minds to step out in faith and grow our understanding to know Him better. Daniel 10:12 (NIV). He rewards even our baby steps with closeness and peace. Matthew 6:33 (NIV). That’s a relief because what I remember most from Vacation Bible School is snack time.
3. The Bible is an Instruction Manual for Life.
When the going gets tough, the tough get…overwhelmed? Now what? Where do I go from here? How am I supposed to move past this? These questions play on constant repeat when faced with sticky situations, disappointments, or any number of life’s curveballs come my way. Generally, my first reaction is to try to fix my problems my way rather than turning toward the Bible. Instead of wringing my hands, I have to remember to go to life’s user manual first, which isn’t easy.
However, the Bible is here to help manage life in a broken world. Every part of the Bible is useful for teaching, giving comfort, avoiding trouble, and focusing spiraling thoughts. 2 Timothy 3:16. More than all of this, the Scriptures provide God’s protection; it is “an indispensable weapon.” Ephesians 6:17 (MSG). Like any weapon, it’s only truly effective when we use it, practice with it, and become comfortable with it. Every chapter, every verse has been gifted for use. Make notes, highlight, question, dig deep, stick a post-it between the pages. A worn-out, well-loved Bible is the most beautiful work of art in the world.
4. The Bible serves as a strong foundation.
Once upon a time, there were three little pigs, blah, blah, blah, the pig who built his house out of bricks lived happily ever. Whoever is responsible for the story of the Three Little Pigs must have been a fan of the Scripture, because they understood the importance of a strong foundation. Luke 6:47 (NIV).
Ask any building inspector or neighborhood big bad wolf, and they will tell you, the stronger the foundation, the stronger the building that sits on it. When the storms come, the house built on solid footing will still be standing when the winds die down. Committing to an intentional study of the Bible is the reinforcement needed for a life where storms threaten to blow us down. Psalms 46:1-3 (NIV). Instead, when the winds howl and bluster, we can stand firm and say not by the hair on my chinny, chin, chin.
5. Reading the Bible builds faith.
Whether faith is new, old, fragile, or rock-solid, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from reading the Bible. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV). Forget the jelly of the month club. Reading the Bible is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in Your word. Psalms 119:18, and remind me to turn first to Your word in all things. Amen.
Scarlet
