Why Should I Read My Bible?

When seeking a more personal relationship with God, it is vitally important to have a Bible. Another name for the Bible is the "Word of God". God's purpose for the Bible is to have direct communication with His children. Hebrews 4:12 says, "The Word of God is a living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." God uses His Word as a way to get to the inner man or the spirit of the man, either by encouragement or by correction. We need to read the Bible to grow spiritually and to learn how to live a life filled with peace and happiness, the way that God intended for all of His children to live. Psalms 33:4 says, "For the Word of the Lord (the Bible) is right. And all His work is done in Truth."

Many people think that they sin too much to read the Bible or say that they will start reading the Bible when they start "doing right". But the truth of the matter is, you will slowly start "doing right" when you start reading your Bible FIRST. Cussing, being selfish, treating people bad, selling drugs, doing drugs, having sex before marriage and even murder are some examples of sin that could be happening or have happened in your life. But the Bible says in Romans 3:23 "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That means that everyone has sinned and not one person is better than the next. This is why Jesus came down to live among us, in the flesh, and then die on the Cross as a penalty for our sins. That is how much we are loved by the One and Only True Living God. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting Life." But you see, if you don't have a Bible, it will be difficult to know these things.

Trust me when I say I am a living example. However, we are all given a will and a freedom of choice. God is not going to force us to love Him and draw near to him. We have to make that choice. Once we decide to live under His authority, He gives us certain tools to understand Him in a more intimate way. The Bible is one tool. But again, we have to choose to use His tools. A lot of people have a hard time even opening the Bible to start reading. That's OK It's all a learning process. In the beginning, you may read your Bible one day and forget to read it again for 3 or 4 days. When it comes to your remembrance, there's a reason for that. God is reminding you that He is still there. So instead of running off and begin the next task on your busy schedule, STOP!... and take just 3 minutes to find what corner or drawer your Bible got lost in and read something, even if it is just a little bit.

The book of Psalms and Proverbs have short chapters. They would be good places to start if you don't have a lot of time. If you find it really difficult to take time to read the living Word of God, ask God to help you. that is what God is there for, to help you with every aspect of your life, including something like reading your Bible.