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Where Have All The Bibles Gone?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Mark 13:31)

  • Only in America...can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
  • Only in America...do people order a double cheeseburger, large fries, and a diet coke.
  • Only in America...do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
  • Only in America...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and leave useless things and junk in boxes in the garage.
  • Only in America...do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.
  • Only in America...do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.
  • Only in America...do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "Poli" in Latin meaning "many" and "tics" meaning "blood-sucking creatures."

While all these things are funny and true, there is one other truth (that isn't so funny) about America that should be considered by Christians.

Only in America...do we keep publishing more and more different versions of the Bible, yet read them less and less.

Never before in history have believers had more access to Biblical truth, yet at the same time been generally ignorant of God's word. Think about it- we have Bibles for children and teenagers, Bibles specifically made for men and women, Bibles for different occupations, denominations, and themes. I'm just waiting for a version of Scripture to come out with a "When Harry Potter Met Jabez" subject matter.

We also have access to God's Word on tape, on CD ROM, and on the internet. So why are we so uninformed when it comes to the Truth of all truths?

It has been said the "familiarity breeds contempt", and I think that is the case in our nation today. We are so surrounded by the opportunity to learn Scripture that we forget it is there in the first place. I've read stories about Christians in nations where the Bible is illegal who will secretly pass around single pages of Scripture after they completely memorized them. Perhaps they remember something that we have forgotten- the same thing that David understood:

Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD. Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your principles. Please don't give up on me! How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules. I have tried my best to find you--don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:1-11)

Today would be a great day to start studying Scripture on a regular basis. If you think you don't have time, something is wrong with your schedule. If you think the Bible is boring or irrelevant, something is wrong with your attitude. If you think there is no one in your life that can help you understand the Word, something is wrong with your relationships.

Only in America...do we desperately desire God's will for our lives, and ignore the 66 books that talk all about it.

Questions:

  1. Are you reading and applying the Bible on a regular basis? Why or why not?
  2. How would your life be different if you studied Scripture everyday?
  3. Why does God command us to learn His Word?