There are three types of people in the world: the ones who throw the manual out as soon as they open the box, the ones who open the box but keep the manual “just in case”, and the ones who refuse to open the box without reading the entire manual. This first group can usually figure out the product’s function, but risk damaging the product and rely on what others have told them or what they think they have seen. The second group is better prepared. They may stumble around the product and generally figure out its function, relying on the manual to help in complicated uses or to fix the product from minor missteps. The third group, the ones who both kept and thoroughly reviewed the manual, they are the ones with the success. This third group will be the group producing amazing photos with their new camera, or amazing footage from their drone, or perhaps they will simply have the lowest incidence of damage.
The Bible is more than just a manual to function in life; it gives meaning to life. It teaches us the history of the world, gives us a glimpse into our future, gives us “knowledge and understanding” (Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2011, Proverbs 2:6), and acts as “a shield for all those who take refuge” (Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2011, Psalm 18:30), but most importantly, it gives us a relationship with our creator.
Studying the Bible provides us with real, tangible directions on how to live our lives, how to carry ourselves and how to interact with others. It provides us with the direction and wisdom we need to be “equipped for every good work.” (Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2011, 2 Timothy 3:17). It is not enough to simply listen to teachers or experts, as many of us may have grown up doing. We must open the Bible for ourselves (Bickel, B. 1998). Proper study gives us discernment to help us wade through the murky waters of false practices to find the correct, righteous choices in life. There is clear guidance in the Bible regarding our treatment of others, our responsibility to the poor and fatherless, our response to wrongdoing by both believers and non-believers, and our engagements with our families. Every question of “what should I do?” has an answer found within the pages of the Word.
Even so, the Bible is more than a how-to guide, or moral compass. The happiest, most content people I have ever met have a strong relationship with God. This relationship is formed by spending time with Him by praying over and meditating on His Word. The Spirit of God lives in Bible, and we can find our most important relationship in the moments of meditation with the Word. The Bible is important for us to read with the same energy and dedication as you give your most treasured human relationship, and not just in times of emergencies or complicated situations as is commonly practiced (Bickel, B. 1998). The Bible is where we go to seek God, because that is where we find a God who loves us. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Colossians 3:12a).
The relationship we find with God when we study the Word also serves us as spiritual and emotional nutrition. The Bible tells us of fantastical stories, some of which include times of darkness and fear. Yet even in these times we see God’s presence, and we see God caring for his people. This serves as a reminder that even in the darkest, most overwhelming moments, God is our strength and will never leave us. The Bible does not just guide us to a refuge, it is our refuge (Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2011, Psalm 18:30).
Some look for encouragement in their darkest days. Some read for instructions on how to raise their children. Some crave a moment with our creator. Some crack it open to find its fallacies and end up falling in love (Strobel, L. 2000). No matter what we go looking for, we can find it (or something so much better) in the Bible.
References
Bickel, B. (1998). Knowing the Bible 101. Harvest House Publishers.
Colorado Christian University (n.d.). [Session 2 Biblical Perspective]. School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Colorado Christian University. INT-212A. https://blackboard.ccu.edu
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001/2011). Crossway.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)
Strobel, L. (2000). The case for faith. Zondervan.