What Are You Reading?

Every year I try to make an effort to read the Bible through from cover to cover. I know many other people make the same goal, and I’m happy that there are people out there that see the benefit and significance of reading the Bible. It’s a journey that can be frustrating, difficult, even boring at times, but it can also be enlightening, refreshing, and humbling to see how much understanding is still to be gained.

God never intended us to read through pieces of Scripture occasionally, but rather He wanted us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV) Because, the more we read God’s word, the more we get a clearer picture of what God is looking for in us, or as Ephesians 5:17 says, “...do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (See also Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:2.)

Paul had encouraged Timothy, in 1Timothy 4:13, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” But why is this so important? As followers of a God, whom we cannot see, it’s vital that we understand His ways, which is what the Bible reveals to us. Therefore, the less we know of God’s ways, the less we’ll be able to interpret His words accurately. Unfortunately, there is an epidemic of Biblical ignorance within congregations.

Recently, in an Apologetics Press article, the author interviewed Melvyn Bragg, who is an English broadcaster and an atheist. One of the topics brought up was about the impact of Bible reading on a culture. Braggs recognized the extreme decline of people who regularly read the Bible. He said, “I think it is a great deprivation. What have we thrown away? One of the greatest pieces of art work [has been neglected]. It’s awful. Is the excuse really that it’s too difficult, really? We should be too good for that….”

Although as Christians, our view of the Bible is much greater than just a “work of art.” It is the living word of God, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

This year I will be reading from the New International Version of the Bible. I hope you’ll read along. I'd love to have you join me!