One of the most wonderful blessings God has given to us is His Holy Word. The Bible is a rich treasure of wisdom, guidance, comfort, and commands. How blessed we are that instead of just creating us and turning us lose with no direction, God provided us with an owner’s manual for our lives.
The Bible is the bestselling book of all time and has been translated into more languages than any other writing. It tells us where we’ve come from, who and whose we are, and where we are headed. It has outlasted its critics and been verified repeatedly by both science and archaeology. It deserves our daily attention and constant obedience.
Like any other information, however, the Bible can be misused. Many souls have been wounded over the years by individuals who have yanked verses or phrases from their contexts and used them to bash or manipulate others in ways that God never intended. At other times, verses or passages are twisted and distorted for personal gain. Sadly, God often gets blamed for these abuses and ends up with a black eye even though He’s not responsible.
Most of us have seen collages made by cutting various words from magazines or newspapers and pasting them together to create a new sentence or design that has nothing to do with the original works. Unfortunately, that seems to be the very nature of many misapplications of Biblical truth.
In Hebrews 4:12, we are told that God’s Word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. Since this type of sword was the primary combat weapon at the time this passage was penned, the modern equivalent would probably be a firearm of some type.
Regardless of whether a soldier prepared for battle in the first century with a sword or today with a gun, careful and rigorous training was and is needed. Even recreational use of potentially dangerous items requires extreme care and practice.
So too, if we are to properly use and apply God’s Word to our own lives as well as those of others, we should prepare ourselves. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Apostle Paul advises the young pastor, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
That last phrase reminds each of us that we should correctly handle God’s Word just as we should carefully handle any sword or firearm. Reckless or careless use will result in injury and pain when God’s overall purpose is wholeness and blessing.
The King James Version tells us that to correctly handle the Holy Word of God, we are to study. That involves intentional time, thought and energy so that we might be well equipped and prepared for whatever situation may arise. For Christians, this implies a lifelong pursuit of continuing to examine this precious book and inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal whatever He desires that will benefit both ourselves and others.
Unfortunately, we adults often think that Bible School, Sunday School, and Bible Studies are for children. Quite to the contrary, every single believer should be engaged in regular study of God’s Word with other brothers and sisters that we might share insights together and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys.
Whenever we see a Bible, may we thank God for His great gift to us and may we remember His command through Paul to study and prepare that we might use His Word only in ways He intends. Such preparation will help ensure this powerful message doesn’t discharge accidently and cause harm instead of blessing.
Studying, George