"HOW DO YOU TREAT THIS BOOK?"
It must be a very important document. The rules associated with it show that it is loved and respected.
1) One should make formal ablutions before handling this book or reading from its text.
2) One who is in need of a formal bath should not touch this book until after bathing.
3) A non-member should not handle the sacred text, but may listen to tapes of it or handle a translation or exegesis.
4) Those who are unable to handle this book based on these reasons should either avoid handling it completely, or in necessity hold it while using some sort of barrier covering the hand, such as a cloth or a glove.
"In addition, when one is not reading or reciting from this book, it should be closed and stored a clean, respectable place. Nothing should be placed on top of it, nor should it ever be placed on the floor or in a bathroom.
To further show respect for the sacred text, those who are writing it should use clear, elegant handwriting, and those who are reading from it should use clear, beautiful voices."
Some of you may be thanking that these rules are surely being applied to the Bible. Oh, how we could wish. According to the Islam religion this is how a follower is to treat the Koran.
Compare those rules to the way that some people treat their Bibles.
Leave it at the church building and never open it except when they come to Bible class or worship.
Leave it in the car where it can become discolored by the sun and where it can be stepped on, sat on, or otherwise treated poorly.
Throw it around as if it is just any book and treat it like it is just another book in the library.
I know that not everybody treats their Bible like this, but I’m afraid that many do.
So, how should we treat the Bible?
Do we have to be gentle, do we have to treat it with kid gloves?
Do we need to bathe or wash our hands before we read the Bible?
A recent research project by the Barna Group revealed the following facts about what Americans think about the Bible.
85 percent of households own at least one Bible, with a household average of 4.3 Bibles.
69 percent of Americans believe the Bible provides answers on how to live a meaningful life.
36 percent of Americans read the Bible less than once a year.
79 percent of those surveyed believe they are knowledgeable about the Bible, but 54 percent were unable to identify the first five books of the Bible.
46 percent believe the Bible, the Koran, and the Book of Mormon are different expressions of the same spiritual truths.
Allow me to share a few thoughts, and always please feel free to add your thoughts.
TREAT THE BIBLE LIKE IT IS GOD’S INSPIRED WORD. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
This is how God has chosen to communicate His Word, His will, and His way to us.
It is a history book, but it is so much more…
It is a book filled with science, but it is so much more…
It is a book that teaches us about finances, but it is so much more…
It is a book that teaches us about marriage, the family, how to raise children, but it is so much more…
It is a book that teaches us about church organization, but it is so much more…
It is a book about relationships, but it is so much more…
IT IS THE INSPIRED, INERRANT, IRREFUTABLE, WORD OF OUR LOVING FATHER.
TREAT THE BIBLE LIKE IT IS YOUR GUIDE FOR THIS LIFE. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) The Bible is like a road map.
If you are lost, it will help you find your way.
If you are in darkness, it will lead you to light.
If you are alone, it will serve as your companion.
If you are out of spiritual energy, it will fill your tank.
If you are meeting road blocks, it will redirect your to better roads.
If you are struggling with storms it will help protect you.
TREAT THE BIBLE LIKE YOU LOVE IT. The words of the Psalmist come to mind. “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)
I have a wonderful library of books. Some of them I purchased. Many of them were passed down to me by my father. Some were given to me by other preachers or given to me as gifts. They are all precious to me. Some are more precious than others.
There are some that I will loan anyone that can use them to help in their study. There are others that I am more careful about loaning them out.
There are a few, that IF I let you touch them…
TREAT THE BIBLE LIKE IT IS THE ONLY BOOK THAT CAN GET YOU TO HEAVEN. There are millions of self-help books available.
There are many books to help you diet…
There are many books to help you exercise…
There are many books to help you with home repairs…
There are many books to help you with fixing a broken down car…
There are many books to help you learn about history…
There are many books to help you learn about the arts…
There are many books to help you with relationships…
There are many books to help you with parenting…
There are many books to help you with your struggling marriage…
THERE IS ONLY ONE BOOK TO HELP YOU GET TO HEAVEN. “In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)
THREAT THE BIBLE AS IF YOUR ETERNAL LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. Jesus said, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” (John 12:48)
In Revelation 20:12 John gives us a glimpse of what it will be like on the great Day of Judgment. “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.”
Someday we will all stand before the judgment throne of God.When we do will be judged on how we lived in view of our what the Bible teaches.
How do you feel about your Bible?
Dear Father, help us realize how important Your Word is to our lives here on this earth as well as our eternal destination. Help us to treat Your Word with as much love and respect as we can find in our hearts. Help us, Dear Lord to obey Your Word and help us to use it as the basis of every decision in our life. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.