Many of us own a copy of the Bible. Some of us may have many copies in different versions and even different languages. This ancient book, written originally in Hebrew and Greek, with small portions in Aramaic, is still “the most influential book in history” according to a 1996 survey of United States citizens.
Of the people surveyed, 79.8 percent said that the Bible was the most influential, next on the list was Dr. Spock’s baby book, which received only 4.7 percent of the vote. Then came Charles Darwin’s The Origin Of The Species (4.1 percent) and George Orwell’s 1984 (2.4 percent). The Bible was the overwhelming winner among influential books.
But how many of those who applaud the Bible’s influence ever read it? Do you? Do I? And if we do, do we read it regularly? Do we read a passage here and there, or do we follow some system that will make us familiar with the whole Bible? Do we have a strong desire to know the Word? (Psalm 19:10).
An even more important question is whether we believe and practice what we read. Is this book decisively influencing our lives? Is our relationship to the Bible one of obedience? After all, this book is immeasurably more than a collection of human writings. It is God’s authoritative Word. – Vernon C. Grounds
The books men write are but a fragrance blown
From transient blossoms crushed by human hands;
But high above them all, splendid and alone,
Staunch as a tree, there is a Book that stands. – Frazee-Bower
If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living.
- July 22, Vol. 7, Our Daily Bread
For You 