The Bible: Reliable and Necessary

I’ve been doing a fair amount of reading lately - specifically Christian non-fiction. A couple of thoughts have stood out to me.

First, God’s Word is reliable. Its reliability is shown by its ability to consistently provide truth for countless people in multiple time frames and in diverse situations. I’ve read books by several different authors; as they’ve shared from their own lives and from the lives of others, they all keep arriving at the same truths. They find hope and encouragement in the same verses.

What that tells me is that is that the specific circumstances don’t matter. People come to the Bible from countless life scenarios, and the Word of God is able to meet whatever the need is. Its truths are so timeless and fundamental that they are applicable to every situation life can present.

I am also reminded that the Bible (as a whole and in its individual parts) means something. The reason that multiple people can find help in the same verses is that those verses have a specific message which the readers independently discover as they read the same passage. The same meaning and therefore the same hope, consistently found by person after person in century after century, demonstrate that the Bible is reliable. Christians today can find the same help that has been found by Christians throughout history.

Speaking of help, the Bible is real, and it has a very real impact on lives. Following the recent church bus crash in Indiana, many observers were amazed at the faith and peace demonstrated by those affected. I read an Internet comment posted by a skeptic; he asserted that Christians’ acceptance of terrible events as being God’s will and having greater purpose was essentially an excuse to live a delusional, fairy tale life. He suggested that such statements are an empty mantra that Christians use to avoid dealing with pain.

I can understand why the writer would think this, but my heart responds that he thinks the way he does only because he has never experienced the inexplicable peace and inexhaustible grace that God gives. Those who have experienced those things know they are real, and the reliable Scriptures remind Christians of that hope through the same precious verses.

The second thought I’ve had in my reading is that we never outgrow our need for God’s Word. Regardless of the level (or perceived level) of our spiritual maturity, we still need to grow, and we still need the Bible to help us do that. I’ve recently read a couple of books by Elisabeth Elliot. She transparently shares the reality of Christian growth, admitting that at sixty years of age she still had areas of weakness and struggle. She shares personal testimony that reveals her continued striving for growth.

I wouldn’t put myself in the same group with Elisabeth Elliot, but I understand her position. I’ve often been very aware of my continued struggles; in light of such weakness, I’ve wondered how I can possibly be of service to God. I don’t think I’m alone in my evaluation of Christians in prominent positions: authors, radio personalities, pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, university presidents and professors. I see these respected leaders, those typically invited as public speakers, as being beyond any significant struggle, especially in the day to day elements of ordinary life. (They might be affected for a day or two by a major event like cancer or death of a loved one.) It’s easy to think that those people can serve God, but that I will never reach a level where I will be able to.

The truth is that these people struggle too. Occasionally we meet someone with the humility, bravery, and compassion to admit it. It would neither be right nor beneficial for these respected leaders to publically disclose or put the focus on every little (or big) struggle they have. There is something very encouraging, however, when a leader does that in an appropriate way. We “common” Christians are able to realize that even those we view as role models, leaders, and spiritual heroes are still in the battle. They still need God’s Word and help every day. In spite of the things that still trip them up and frustrate them, God uses them. God doesn’t require perfection for service. When we realize that and are willing to serve God while still in the pursuit of sanctification, He can use us in spite of ourselves. The key is that we must earnestly seek Him and the truth of His Word as we constantly pursue our journey toward godliness.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)