Wasting the Word

by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Editor

But the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:25 

Not long ago, a friend sent me a funny message over Facebook that went something like this,

Question: If someone from the 1950’s suddenly appeared before you, what would be the most difficult thing to explain to them about life today?

Answer: I possess a device, in my pocket, which is capable of accessing the eternity of information known to man. I use it to look at pictures of cats and get into arguments with strangers.

I can remember laughing after I read this. It really was true; I mostly used the internet to watch reruns of TV shows or recommend new music to friends, pretty trivial tasks for a device that contains all the world’s knowledge. After I signed off however, I was struck by a sudden thought, “Am I wasting God’s word the same way I waste the internet?” It was a sobering question. I picked my Bible up off the coffee table and for a few moments just stared at it.  

Here in my hands was a book that recounted the days when the Immortal, Eternal God of all that was and will ever be walked the earth as a man and spoke to humans. How was I using this gift again? Last I could remember it was to find a prayer that would keep me from going bald. To tell the truth, I think all Christians (me included) have a serious problem with wasting the Gospel. Just look at how we’ve used it in the past: 

• To argue why one political party is better than another,
• To tell divorcees, and homosexuals, and people from checkered backgrounds that they’re not good enough for God,
• To justify why we don’t help the broken and the needy.

The Bible is a precious gift and a valuable resource; it should never be used lightly or frivolously. So the next time you sit down for a quiet time or look up a favorite verse, remember that what you see is more than words on a page. You possess, in your hand, a testament to God’s love for humanity and his desire to be a part of our lives. Make sure you don’t waste it.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Do not waste the Word of God. When you read the Bible, seek to apply it.

Further Reading

Matthew 13:33