ODJ: bubble trouble
January 14, 2011
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives (v.16).
READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
The new eco-friendly dish detergent was super-concentrated, so I squirted much less than usual into the dishwasher. I cranked the knob and walked away. Minutes later, I heard a gurgling noise. Suds were bubbling out of the dishwasher and cascading onto the floor. After sopping up the mess, I read the label on the container: “Not for use with automatic dishwashers. Hand-wash only.” Ugh . . . Sadly, my approach to life is often the same as my approach to washing the dishes—I jump right in without reading the directions. But God’s Word contains the instructions we need (Leviticus 18:5). Paul pointed out that the Bible “teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). In another letter, he outlined some of the basics: “Live peacefully with each other. . . . Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. . . . Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:13-16). The Bible also makes us “realize what is wrong in our lives” (2 Timothy 3:16). Since “the Word of God is alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), it speaks to us when we’re drooling over the neighbor’s new car . . . you must not covet. It whispers, you must not steal, when we could easily exaggerate business expenses. God’s Word shows us our sin (Romans 7:7). When I become blind to my sin and when I “forget” how God wants me to live, His Word reminds me. The more I read the Bible, the more Scripture soaks into my soul, where it can cleanse my conduct. This is how as Christians we become “[equipped] . . . to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
What’s the connection between reading the Bible and a God-honoring lifestyle? Why is it so difficult to read the Bible regularly? How can you read God’s Word more consistently?
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