The question was asked, “Why do you read the Bible?”  This really got us to thinking about what our true reason is for reading the Bible.  What is our true reason for wanting to understand the Bible?  We know what the answer should be and some of us are conditioned to spit out the right answer, but is it the real answer?  Some of us have even convinced ourselves that we are reading the Bible for the right reason. However if you look deep down ... no go deeper than that, the real reason is sometimes completely different.

How many times do we try to gain an understanding so that we can have all the answers?  For example some of us have a fear of witnessing because we may not be able to answer questions that are thrown out at us.  Sometimes not having all the answers is a witness as well because it shows that Christians are human too.  It is okay to say, “I don’t know, I need to get back to you.”  Sometimes it is not how much you know, but how you use what you know.  Turn your fears over to God and let Him speak through you when witnessing to others.  It is not as hard as we want to make it out to be.  As long as we are being obedient to God and giving Him the glory, He will give us all the answers we need. 

How many of us want a better understanding to prove others wrong?   Some times we use the Bible to show others, I’m right – you’re wrong.  Showing others proof in the Bible is not a bad thing as long as your motives are in the right place.  To use the Bible to prove a point to intimidate is wrong.  To use the Bible to prove a point to help someone to get back on the right path without intimidating or belittling is a good thing. 

How many of us want a better understanding to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ.?  The Bible is God’s Word and the Word is Jesus.  Jesus is the Bible.  We should read the Bible to draw us closer to Him, not to prove others wrong, not so we can have all the answers.  Jesus wants a relationship with you.  What is our real reason for reading the Bible? Give it some thought, it may surprise you. 

I have been guilty of all of them, however once your focus shifts to the relationship with God, the answers you so desperately searched for before begin to reveal themselves. Is it because we have gained a spiritual maturity and God says "Okay you've grown up enough now to have the answers. I know you are not going to use the answer for your glory but Mine. So here it is. Take this answer and apply it to your life and your circumstance. Learn from it and remember it when it is needed to be remembered.

My Comments From: jessiann 09 20 2007, 9:48 pm Good points - never really considered that or thought of it that way, but I can certainly relate. Thanks for sharing that - it really made me think... OFFLINE! From: Tourjo 09 19 2007, 1:02 pm I like that Penny, I can tell you really was into that one. I too started to evaluate myself, making sure the reasons or in the right place. Have a good one. OFFLINE!