For some people, the Bible is merely a neglected, dusty ornament in their homes. Within its pages one may find chronicled such things as births, deaths and marriages. Amongst Bible leaves, as though the volume were some sort of filing cabinet, tucked away for future reference are newspaper clippings and county fair ribbons. Still other Bible sheets evidence colorful stains of flowers (from a memorable occasion) pressed between them, dried and preserved. Infrequently, bedtime stories may be related from the biblical text, but that is the closest episode to actually using the Bible in a meaningful and spiritual way. Instances when the family Bible was nearer than atop a high bookcase shelf, it served as a coffee table coaster or a paperweight. Unfortunately, in those households, the Bible might as easily be used for a doorstop. For these families, the Bible is anything but “God’s Guide Book.”
Oppositely, another home’s occupants might profess dignified regard for the Bible. Each family member likely has his or her own personal copy of Holy Writ. However, “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) may lie like a discarded battlefield weapon of a fallen soldier, howbeit on a pew in the local church’s meetinghouse. Home devotionals may be sporadic at best or non-existent at worst. The home’s inhabitants may imagine that one or more hours spent among fellow Christians in an assembly for Bible class or worship can satisfactorily fortify a person spiritually, but that will prove to be inadequate to offset Satan’s minions among whom we school, work and play. Acknowledging the place of God’s Word in one’s life, these Christians pride themselves in their appreciation for the Bible, yet they essentially only consult it occasionally and especially after the fact when decisions and actions proved hurtful. For these families, the Bible is anything but “God’s Guide Book.”
The devoted and conscientious child of God, though, will view the Bible truly as “God’s Guide Book.” Rather than approach the Word of God too late to mitigate missteps in life, these Christians actually use the Bible to undergird every aspect of their lives. They consult God’s Word before making the important decisions in life. These children of God purposefully and persistently use the Bible as though it were a roadmap given by God to lead His faithful followers from earthly shores to the heavenly realm. The thoughts in their minds are pure (Philippians 4:8), which serve as precursors for the words that come forth from their mouths (Matthew 15:18). These Christians are true believers who demonstrate admirable and holy behavior—they act like Christians (Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 2:6). Their minds and lives alike are saturated with Scripture—they are Scripture driven!
Both testaments of the Bible prescribe intimate familiarity with “God’s Guide Book.” “…You shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you…” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33; 6:6-9 NKJV). “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it…” (Joshua 1:8). “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Throughout human history, God has required mankind to use His divine revelation as though there were no other recourse by which to order one’s thoughts, words and actions. Yet, people—even the children of God—often have been reluctant to submit to Almighty God. All will submit, either voluntarily or involuntarily in the last day (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:11). Dear Reader, make the Bible “God’s Guide Book” and roadmap in your life so that you may have a home with God in heaven eternally. The Bible is only a dead letter to those whose hearts and minds are deadened toward it.
