To so many the Bible seems to be an obsolete collection of dos and don’ts, an outdated text disconnected from the issues we face today. People everywhere claim to follow the Bible without generally displaying love for their neighbor. The Bible is frequently viewed as an interruption, taking away valuable time from an already busy schedule. If you see the Bible as a dust collector your vision is impaired. In today’s world it remains vital to read the Bible.

Value

According to MotorTrend.com the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a 2012 Maybach 62 Landaulet Convertible automobile is 1,380,000 U.S. dollars! I think you would agree that such an investment would warrant proper care. My first vehicle, costing a very small faction of the Maybach’s MSRP, was also due appropriate care. Both vehicle manufacturers provide instructions for use to maintain optimum performance and value.

When I purchased my first new vehicle I researched all of the features, selected the best price, planned everything in advance and then went to the dealership to take possession of my new car! I read the owner’s manual intently from cover to cover. I was careful to comply with all of the recommendations in the manual. I wanted to get the best out of my beautiful new car. I felt good when I drove it, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It belonged to me and I valued it greatly!!

Have you ever made a purchase of a major item like a car, a truck or perhaps a boat? Something new that you really had your heart set to buy? What a feeling…right!

My new car was the idea of someone else. Designed and fashioned by someone else. Because I wanted to maintain the vehicle at its best I sought out the manual authorized by that maker to get the vital information for proper use and upkeep. Is there a more appropriate source?

I put so much planning and thought into something that has a very finite value and shelf life. Once my prized new car was driven off of the lot its value began to drop, immediately.

Think about the time, energy and resources you have spent, or continue to spend, on that treasured object destined to decay! How much time do we spend on our precious spiritual lives, which endure into eternity?

Time and attention are spent on things of value to us. We pay the most attention to those things that we value the most. How do you spend your time? Is more time spent on objects or the things of God?

Our Manual

How could a loving God make each of us uniquely, from His own loving image and not provide instructions for us to properly navigate this world? Would the manufacturer of the Maybach dare to overlook instructions for the operator of the exquisite machinery costing more than one million dollars? Even my economy car had its manual. Read the Bible.

We are told that the Bible is given by His inspiration and is profitable for instruction. (See 2 Timothy 3:16.) God also points out to us how we can have good success; it does take effort on our part. Read the Bible.

As I made my new car purchase I used resources of time before I was able to acquire the benefits. I talked to others and researched, asking questions and gathering information. I took inventory to see what next steps would be in order to take ownership of the prize I desired.

When we seek to apply God’s word found in His manual the Bible, we are to invest time, search and seek His guidance. We are to go deep beyond the surface to see the value of His investment in us. Moving beyond the outer covering and renewing our mind is key.

The Investment

The price paid for us was the precious life of Jesus the Christ, so that we may have eternal life as our Maker designed. (See John 3:16.) The price paid for us was so much greater than the $1,380,000 asking price for the Maybach, or anything else we can own! Read the Bible.

Yet how much time do we invest, you and I, following the manufacturer’s instructions? Do we examine those instructions to know what they are? Do we act on them with expediency once we have an understanding of what we are to do? Do we ask others about their experiences with the manual? Do we seek out wisdom to help us evaluate our best next steps? That is the least most of us have probably done as we contemplated the use of new vehicles.

Let’s imagine we purchased a new 2012 Maybach 62 Landaulet Convertible. We might have someone show us how everything works personally, gathering first-hand knowledge. We might read everything we could about the operation of the vehicle. We might even join an organization dedicated to acknowledging the lifestyle to be enjoyed because of our prized possession.

On our best days we would spend far more time enjoying the benefits of the investment rather than analyzing the actions of others who were not enjoying the same benefits. At least I hope we would not be looking condescendingly down our noses at others we perceived not part of our endowed group!

A great deal of time is spent by all of us, judging the behaviors of others. We notice the good, the bad and mostly the ugly. That is part of human nature, yet we are called to rise above that. Given tools to move beyond that common nature. What does our Maker say about loving our neighbor? You will know when you read the Bible.

My mother, who has now transitioned from this life, would often say to me, “Every tub sits on its own bottom.” At those times I was not always sure I understood what she meant, now I clearly understand. Each of us has to answer to, and make amends for our own actions, not those of another. (See Romans 14:12.) Read the Bible.

Condemning others or blaming them for our choices is neither prudent nor based on Biblical foundation. Through the writings of the Apostle Paul in Second Corinthians chapter 13 we are admonished to examine ourselves. Read the Bible.

Yes, there will always be people that say one thing and do another that is separate and distinctly different from what they profess. Our focus, when properly directed, is on getting our self in right standing with God and maintaining that position.

Let’s start this week looking more deeply into the manual, using cellphone, tablet or other device to access the word. Picking up the book, blowing the dust off of it if necessary, and turning the pages by hand works too. Begin to spend some regular time each day in the word. Even a few minutes on a regular basis is better than none at all.

Remember the investment that was made in us by our loving Father! What will you do to maintain the priceless gift provided for you? How is your time being invested, does it have lasting value? Do you actually follow God’s word? Does His love light shine from within you?

Read the Bible, it remains a vital guide for us today!

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”