From a young age, I was continually encouraged to read the Bible on my own. As I look back, I find that even though I had read the Bible for years, I did not possess a proper understanding of God. Much of my understanding about God was either incomplete or erroneous due to my immature handling of His word. Recently, I’ve discovered and unearthed hidden treasures in the Bible through systematic reading. This has helped me in understanding who God is and who I am.
Here are some immature ways to read the Bible (as I have done in the past):
- Reading the Bible as if it was just an inspirational book – a place to find motivational quotes to give me a transient sentimental high.
- Reading the Bible as if it was my school syllabus – forcibly reading it because I had to.
- Reading the Bible as if it was merely a self-help book – to get useful life hacks and tips on how to react to regular threats and warnings from your boss (older sibling in my case).
- Reading the Bible as if it were a recipe book – opening it from the middle or from anywhere depending on my current taste and mood.
- Reading the Bible as if it were a borrowed book – hurriedly reading it as if I had to return it to someone else.
- Reading it like a menu card at my favourite restaurant – ignoring most of what’s written and always sticking to the same item every time.
- Treating it like an investment book – on how to invest so as to get back more returns and ‘lay up more’ for myself.
- Treating it like a psychology manual – ready to offer advice to others without ever introspecting my own life.
- Treating it like a chanting book – picking out certain phrases and chanting it like a repetitive parrot without understanding it.
- Treating it like a new item in the store – too careful to touch it lest it gets soiled with fingerprints.
- Using the Bible as an armour for excuses – twisting verses out of context to suit my own agenda and defend my behaviour.
(Note: There is nothing wrong in turning to the Bible to motivate yourself or to look for tips on practical living. It becomes dangerous when that is the only thing you do with the Bible. The Bible is so much more than a self-help book.)
Contributed by Joy Shekyna
Joy is a dentist who works in a gospel-mission clinic and cheers for second chances and life for those on the margins. In her free time, you can find her clearing space on her phone.