Over the years, I would sometimes see persons in church or school turning the pages of their Bibles, with no clue where to find the scriptures that were read or to which reference was made. Today, technology has made this task easier. Having downloaded a Bible app on our phones, all we need to do is open it, scroll, touch, and find scriptures quickly. Despite this benefit, many persons (especially teens) lack interest in reading the Bible.
If this sounds like you, please do not give up. The Bible is needful and profitable for you. It contains the blueprint for your life as God intended and is the daily food for your soul.
“But Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4 NKJV
The Word of God will stand the test of time, outlasting all its sceptics, as it is eternal. It is a person – God Himself. Therefore, it is best understood and interpreted by His Holy Spirit. In light of this, you must ask Him to unlock your understanding as you read, as we cannot understand an infinite God with a finite mind.
Ultimately, you should seek Him to fill you with His Spirit, which is a deposit of the life of Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God made flesh (human). Once this happens, you will not only read and understand the scriptures but also have the power to obey them. This is the sure way to grow in discerning truth, receiving revelation, and experiencing God’s Word, causing you to personally know the mind and heart of God.
With such awesome benefits, the question remains then…why is it that so many neglect reading and applying the principles of this precious book (the Bible) to their lives?
In speaking with some youths, a number of reasons were given. Here are a few along with the truth in response to these hindrances.
1. It is difficult (and boring at times) to read or understand. It even seems contradictory.
As shared earlier, you cannot simply comprehend (by natural reasoning) the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and, as such, must be read and illuminated by the Holy Spirit.
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
If your heart and motive for reading are pure, you will see God in His Word. If you are looking to find God in your life as you read, He will meet you.
“… you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (Amplified version)
The Holy Spirit will also help you to see that the Bible does not contradict itself. The truth is that scriptures interpret themselves. There are, however, rules of interpretation that can help you see how the scriptures relate to each other.
2. I do not have the time to read it and have much more interesting things to do with my time, such as spending time on social media.
You may admire those that have spent time reading their Bibles and consequently seen the fruit of the Word of God in their lives, yet you do not imitate their behaviour. This is no surface work; it requires prayerfully spending time in the scriptures to unearth precious gems yourself. You must pray, read, and study the Word, being willing to learn from ministers that God has called to teach the Word.
Be mindful as well that your phone, when not used wisely, is a distraction due to your lack of self-control. Preferring the pleasures of scrolling through your phone or playing games for endless hours over reading the Word shows how little you value God; hence, you are not able to appreciate or enjoy His Word. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
3. It tells me to do things I do not want to do, and forbids me to do things I like to do.
You may be someone that despises the Word and even those who teach it because in reality, the truth being shared convicts your heart of sin. However, this must happen as God desires you to see sin as a deadly poison that, if not removed, will further damage your soul and those you love, as well as lead you to eternal damnation.
“For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Sin is also a dictator; influencing your heart against anything concerning the will of God for your life – which includes knowing Him through His Word. If you are not saved, sin rules inside your flesh and like the apostle Paul, you will also discover this quandary inside you.
“But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:23 (NKJV)
This is why God comes to you through His apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists to teach you about His ways and how to find your purpose in life – which can only be found in Him when you get saved.
It’s always a personal delight and great joy to see God destroy the above mindsets, as some of these youths finally connect with God by surrendering their lives to Him as Lord and Saviour.
God desires you to be a part of His family by receiving His Spirit (salvation), that you may grow in your knowledge of Him. His Word will prepare you to be at peace, irrespective of any negative or adverse situation you face. It will also strengthen you to do all the things God has called you to do. He has made His Word very accessible to you via the rapid advancement of technology. You must, however, see its significance for yourself and treat it accordingly.