Harris Interactive recently published a poll on America's favorite book. And the winner is (drum roll please)....the Bible. It was the #1 book in all of the different demographic categories including gender, race, generation, region, political party and education. This strikes me as kind of funny. If you were to look at our society as a whole, it would seem that the Bible would be the last book that most Americans read. And yet, the Bible is the most purchased, the most translated, and even the most shoplifted book in America. So why don't we see a difference? Perhaps it is because the majority of Americans have the same mindset as a couple of my relatives. These 2 relatives own at least 13 Bibles, all different translations, sizes and covers. We used to joke and say that if owning a Bible could get you to heaven, they were covered. Unfortunately, that is exactly what the majority of Americans think. "If I own a Bible carry it to church with me on Sunday, then I'll be okay." Owning this book does not make us Christian. It is only when we take it off the dusty shelf, open it, study it and apply its words to our lives that we see any difference. The Word of God is a sword, but only to those who keep it oiled and shining, and know how to use it.
51 minutes ago
1 comments:
Yes, I've often chuckled (a sad type of chuckle) at the fact that the Bible is on so many bookshelves...but not opened in the hands - and consequently not speaking to the heart and mind.
When bringing up a touchy point of doctrine or making an observation, suggestion, or critique derived from my reading of Scripture, I have more than once been told, "that's not in MY Bible..." or "I don't know which Bible YOU'RE reading, but..."
To the Bible-in-the-bookshelf-left-unread-people, what the Bible says is whatever they wish it would say. Actually reading it would expicitly reveal to them (in an uncomfortable way) that what they wish it says is not what it really says. Therefore, it stays on the shelf.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
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