Ratty White Bible

Are you a dedicated Bible reader? Do you make sure everyday your soul is fed with the Word? Since it is Lent, this is especially an appropriate time to delve more into the Bible to hear what God has to say. It has been said that the Bible is God’s instruction book and love letter to us. Wow. That makes happy tears come to my eyes. The Holy creator of the universe left me instructions on how to live. He left them in a loving way because He wants me to know of His great love for me. I am humbled.

Before I opened my Bookstore there was much preparation needed. I took it seriously, too. We had only been open one day when a gentleman came in looking for a Bible. I was ready. My translations were in sections KJV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, you name it.We had the translations separated into Study Bibles, Life Application, Devotional, Men’s, Women’s, Gift & Award, and even Large Print.

After greeting the man, I asked the suggested questions to determine which Bible would be the right fit for him. However, this man was not cooperating with me. His answers were short and the only thing I could get out of him was that he wanted a white Bible. Color was way down on the list when assisting someone with a Bible. I tried one more time and asked what it would be used for – devotions, study, something else? Finally the exasperated man said “Look, it’s going in a casket so the lady ain’t gonna read it. She’s dead. The kids want a Bible in the casket and hers was too ratty looking. Just sell me a cheap white Bible.”

A well read, extremely used Bible is many things, but not ratty. Oh, no.  Maybe treasured and beloved. It is a testimony to the owner’s dedication to study God’s Word. This Bible is proof of a deep love between Father and child. Tattered, used, adored, but never ratty.

What does your Bible look like? If someone picks it up would he be able to see your faithfulness to the Word just by looking at the Book? I agree it takes more than reading to follow God, but it is a good step. You need to know how to live, what to do, how to obey, and the Bible has the answers.  You just have to read.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17