A New Bible

   Recently, a few have shown me their new Bibles. They are pleased enough with their purchase they want to share their joy of this valued book. Some are pleased with the color, others the feel of the leather, or the size of the print, or the inclusion of help like marginal references, concordance, maps, etc. They usually have their name or initials embossed on the cover and again their tremendous pleasure is noted. While such joy is quite understandable, I usually respond to them, “Make sure you read it every day. It’s the content that matters!” They agree and from there, they often ask for advice in their study habits.

   For years, I’ve made a collection of Bibles. Most have come from gospel preachers I’ve known and respected. The notations in their margins, outlines in the flyleaves, and the occasional handwritten notes between the pages are invaluable pieces of evidence of their studious approach to God’s word. Of course, I have several bibles of my own, purchased through the years and marked with highlighter, pen marks, notations, and outlines. Never am I more than an arm’s length away from a bible (unless I’m mowing grass.) I even have a bible in my work area in the garage. You’d be surprised how often you can study out there, or in vising with someone, how often a bible subject arrises.

   While I certainly appreciate the careful protection and preservation of such an important book, I also remind students, “It’s your book. Use it to its greatest ability to teach you, and use your mind to the greatest ability to learn its content. If that means underlining, highlighting, note-taking, etc., then do it!” It’s better to wear out a new bible and learn its content than to endeavor to keep it so new you become scared to turn the pages! Wear it out with frequent use, and know it has been to your spiritual benefit!

    I muse on the story of an elderly lady who had never purchased a new bible but kept using the one given her when she was in her teens. Now well past her four-score years, the exterior margin of the book was worn away, well into the printing of verses. Some passages were unreadable to the average reader for the words were missing in the outer area. “How do you know what it says,” asked her young grandchild? “I’ve read it so often, I’ve learned what it says,” she answered. What a fine life to have: one that is obviously committed to not just the READING of God’s word, but the RETENTION of what she’d read! Every day, read a generous part of it, meditate on it, learn it, obey it, and rejoice that you own a copy of the only book whose content can and will teach you what you must do to be saved! (Romans 1:16 – 17)