What is the Bible to you?

THY WORD IS UNTO ME…

What does God’s Word mean to you? Christians talk about how significant the Bible is, yet I wonder if our attitude toward it and relationship to it corresponds to our declaration about it?

As I was conversing with a Muslim recently, he spoke of the devotion of a true Muslim to the Koran (their holy book). He said they read it daily and hide it in their hearts. He mentioned that in month of Ramadan they read the entire Koran. Their holy book is the central part of their lives. He noted this as a point of difference with Christians, who, according to his take, have multiple “Bibles” and are not devoted to reading it.

After the initial reaction of, “that’s not true for all Christians”; and, “I bet all Muslims don’t read the Koran faithfully”; you may have cause to reflect on the possible truth of what this Muslim is saying. Faithful Muslims are devoted to knowing and living by their book. Are you as devoted to your book—the Bible?

What is the Bible to you?

• Could you say as Jeremiah: thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart?
• Could you join David is saying: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path?
• Do you grasp the significance of God’s word in overcoming sin? Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
• Do you find God’s word to be satisfying to your taste: How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It is possible to dutifully read a holy book and be devoted to its laws and yet not see beyond the duty and devotion. The holy book that you possess as a Christian reveals much more than a way of life. Your book reveals the way, the truth and the life!

The sweetness of the Bible comes to those who see not only a righteous way of living, but the righteousness of God that comes through Jesus Christ. When He is seen, will not our hearts burn within us?

While Muslims are drawn to their book as part of their duty-bound religion, Christians are drawn  by the Spirit to their book because there we see God, and His will made known through Jesus Christ! While our devotion is motivated differently, may it be no less!