I read the method of a recipe I've used for years. I read the back of the shampoo bottle as I'm showering, even though the directions never change. I read the manuals for board games and for appliances. I follow the assembly instructions when I'm building a bed or wardrobe, and I use the navigation app when I drive anywhere I'm not incredibly familiar with.
I think it's safe to say that, I read instructions.
I have found that there are generally three types of people when it comes to instructions:
- Those who read instructions before the event
- Those who follow instructions during the event/read as they go
- Those who don't read instructions
Which type of person are you?
The majority of people I meet will quip, "Oh I don't bother with instructions - don't need them!" and then they speed on past me while I'm sitting back and getting to grips with the steps I have ahead of me. Then there are those who read as they go. This is a valid method, and for the most part it will likely be a successful one, but there is always the risk of skipping a step, or missing something.
Now, let's say that we've bought a piece of flat-packed furniture; a shelving unit, for argument's sake. Of those people who choose not to read the assembly instructions, I would put forward that there may be two possible outcomes:
- The shelves will look fine, but as soon as anything is placed on them - as soon as any pressure is put on them - they crumble
- The shelves will be great, functional, and serve the purpose that they were intended for, but because you didn't read the instructions, you might have missed that there was a secret cubby on the bottom that you never knew about. Perhaps you didn't need it, you didn't know it was there, didn't particularly care, nevertheless it could have been useful to you, had you known.
There will always be someone who argues, "But I haven't got time to read the instructions!" and then find that they are constantly flicking through the index or troubleshooting guide, looking for reasons as to why their furniture isn't going up properly, or what that little hinge is for, or why their smartphone isn't charging properly. To them I would say, "Friend, if you read them in the first place, you would have saved yourself all of this time, frustration, and effort now!"
I'm sure you understand the point I'm trying to reach at this point.
The Bible is the instruction book for the shelving unit of life!
You've probably heard (or seen) the popular mnemonic,
Basic
Instructions
Before
Leaving
Earth
... however, I'm not here to tell you that it's as simple as reading a book and then you'll know everything there is to know in this life (if only!)
It is not my intention to claim that the Bible is a series of rules and regulations, nor is it a step-by-step manual for all of life's possible events. The Bible is not an oracle for dipping in and out of when life throws you for a loop, neither is it a "quick fix" troubleshooting guide. It should not be used by its reader for cherry picking the most appealing and appropriate pearls of wisdom, while choosing to ignore the rest. It is, however, a very useful tool to have, and to have read, and to be able to pull from, in order that we may better navigate the turbulent seasons of our lives.
(Just as an aside about those cherry-picked verses, plucked out most often either by someone in desperation, seeking guidance, or someone in righteous indignation, wanting to prove their point... These are the occasions which can seriously hinder the Christians' plight to be respected and taken seriously. When we pluck out a random scripture and quote it out of context, in order to manipulate it to fit the situation we find ourselves in, we cheapen it. Don't forget that the enemy knows scripture, and he knows it in context (In Matthew 4:6 he was trying to tempt Jesus in the desert and quoted Psalm 91:11-12 to Him - misapplying it, of course, but that was all a part of his ploy). In the same way, often our adversaries are well-versed in the holy books which they dispute so vehemently. When we quote scripture incorrectly or out of place, we are not helping our case but may in fact be hindering it all the more. We are giving them ammunition to use against us as they mock us for "not even knowing your own Bible".)
These days, it seems that everyone is in a hurry. We are governed by time. I have a two-year-old and an almost six-month-old and so my life is currently governed by their needs and routines! I have had friends on social media confide in me, "I haven't got time to read the Bible. I wish I did, but I just haven't". Yet we sit and scroll through endless posts about the meal that our best friend is eating or the scores from last night's big football match (I'm the girl who takes pictures of her meals - no judgement!) I'm sure that we could spare ten minutes to read the Word of God! I speak to myself, too. I have become embarrassingly lax in my studying. I read my toddler's Bible with him but most days, that's as far as I go!
I believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It says so in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness". It is the love story He wrote to us, His children. It is His memoir, His promise, and His revelation. It is both a historical account and a prophetic word. How wonderful is that?! I can’t think of any other piece of literature in history which is quite so priceless!
Read it! Know it! Love it!
And let it dwell within your heart and mind, a firm foundation for you to stand on and a bottomless well for you to draw from.
Be blessed as you delve into that deeper understanding - I’ll go with you!
