Living With Purpose

A prosperous man was showing a guest through his lavish new home in an upscale neighborhood. Everything screamed with wealth. Even the door knobs were made of ivory and laced with gold. The library especially intrigued the guests. He gazed at the finely bound volumes that filled the shelves from the floor to the ceiling. The rich man waved in the direction of the books. “Haven’t read a one of them, but don’t they look good?” he commented with pride. “Man,” said the visitor, “What a treasure house you have in this room. Don’t waste the treasure, start reading them!” It was later that same day a truth came to light in the visitor’s mind. Picking up his own Bible, he shook his head. “Who am I to talk?” he said aloud. “I’m guilty of the very same thing. Here is my treasure house, and how often do I read it?” He said to himself admittedly, “I haven’t read a word of it for far too long. I’ve neglected my own treasure.”
Personally, I like to read and I collect books. To me, fine binding or antique books are “things of beauty,” but it’s the content of the Book that enriches the owner. The treasures are there, but they have to be sought out and minded like a prospector. Some digging on your part has to be done. The freedom to own and read the Bible is a privilege that thousands of people are denied and that a multitude of folks have died for. Determine to read the Bible’s hidden riches while the opportunity is still yours.
The Bible is more than just the “Best Selling Book of All-Time.” It’s Gods inspired word. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says, “All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows what is wrong. It changes the way of a person’s life. It show’s them how to be right with God. It gives the person who belongs to God everything they need to work well for them.” What people need to realize is the Bible is God speaking to the human race. 1 Peter 1: 20-12 explains, “No part of the Holy Writings was ever made up by any man. No part of the Holy Writings came long ago because of what man wanted to write; but holy men who belonged to God wrote what the Holy Spirit told them” (NLV).
Remember the Four “I”s of God’s Inspired Word: 1) Infallible (Psalm 119:89). To be infallible is to be “incapable of error; never wrong…dependable, reliable, sure.” For centuries skeptics have tried to disprove God’s Word. Yet, it has stood the tests. It only makes good sense to consult God’s Word before any decision you make. The Bible gives guidance and direction to Christ-followers: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
The second “I” is Invaluable. God’s Word is invaluable. What does this mean? Being invaluable means “having value too great to measure; priceless.” Any person, who has consciously and willfully placed their faith in this Book, knows its value is beyond measure. We are saved, satisfied, and sustained through His word (James 1:21). And to value something is to hold it in high regard. If you value the Bible you will read it, meditate on it, and delight in it. The psalmist said, “O how I love the law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).
The third “I” is Invincible. Which means that which we can’t overcome; unconquerable. “In its pure form there is no power on the face of this earth that is more powerful than God’s Word. Steam power, horse power, solar power, and even nuclear are no match for the power of God through his Word. The Bible and its message is able to lift you from the mired clay of sin. Drunkards, drug addicts, and those overwhelmed by all sins can be set free. Romans 1:16 says, “The Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him”.
The final “I” of God’s inspired word is Indestructible. It means “that thing that cannot be destroyed; not destructible.” Matt. 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall live forever”. Whether it be houses, wealth or land; all of these are temporal possessions that don’t endure. My belief is to never place anything other than another Bible, on top of God’s Word. Never place the Bible on the ground or directly on the floor. Treat it as your most valuable possession. All of earth’s destructive forces can’t diminish or eradicate God’s Word completely. It’s indestructible and eternal. Those who understand this and live by it are the most prepared to face life’s challenges.
Any person who is willing to work hard and make ethical decisions is often rewarded with more than the necessities of life. A person who possesses special talent and applies it to good reason will be sought after by people who will hire them for their asset to the organization. However, even the greatest skill-laborer or the most intellectual mind will fall short if they fail to seek out what God’s Word, the Bible, has to say. Find a church that preaches truth from the Bible, attend faithfully, and always follow God in all your ways.
• This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, Univ. of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida and a 1LT Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Matt can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.