Give Me The Bible, Part Two: "And is profitable..."

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Did you know that there have been reports that the Bible is stolen more than any other book? Clearly, people know there is something special about the Bible. Yet, if we'd actually use it, things would be a lot different. For example, people wouldn't steal the Bible (remember, "Thou shalt not steal"?). We know it is important, but we don't give the Scripture due respect.

To too many people, God is distant and unreachable. He is too mighty to care about our problems, to be touched by what bothers us. Yet, "Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2.17-18). Jesus understands. He allowed Himself to take the form of man so that He could live and suffer like we do. We can never say, "God, you just don't understand what it is like" because He does: He's suffered more than we can imagine in our time.

To others, God is just there when they need Him. They can live however they want 364 days a year, but when they have that one bad day, they fall on their knees and call for His help. This is not a true servant of God, though. His true servant will always be there, in good times and bad. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (II Timothy 4.2).

God wants us to be obedient to Him. He is waiting for us to be obedient to Him. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3.20). If we open to Him, we can be sure He is there in good times and bad. If we truly seek to be His servant, we will use His Word to guide us every day of our lives. The Bible can give us guidance through the best of times and the worst of times if we are only willing to use it.

When I'm facing hard times, let me read the Bible. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (I Peter 4.16). "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" (II Peter 3.11-12). If I'm having a bad day, if people are giving me a hard time because I choose to do what God wants, let me remember I can be proud to suffer for Christ. If people make me feel bad because I choose to be sober over partying, chaste instead of promiscuous, let me remember that this life will not last forever. Let me think of what kind of life I should be living since the Judgment Day is coming. The Bible can remind me of these things.

When I'm facing good times or just a regular day, let me remember, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4.13). Let me look to God for my strength. Let me check His word to see how He wants me to handle a situation. Let me consider God first in all my decisions, from the clothes I wear to the jokes I tell (I'm sure we all have room for improvement).

The inspired word of God is most certainly profitable. Let us use it all the time. Let's study to show ourselves approved. Let's look for God's answers to our problems. Let's use God's way for our life.

Whether I'm having a good day or bad, give me the Bible.