According to a 2019 Lifeway study, among those who attend either American Protestant or non-denominational churches, only a third spend time reading the Bible every day. This finding is very disappointing. How would you feel if you were a parent of 3 children and whenever you tried to communicate with them through letter, email, or text, only 1 out of the 3 actually took the time to read your message? Would you not be disappointed? I believe that this is how God the Father feels, when his people refuse to take the time to read his Word. Christians need to do better. The following paragraphs will give you 4 reasons why Christians need to read God’s word, the Bible everyday.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” -2 Timothy 3:16
#1 FOR DOCTRINE
Doctrine is a principle or a set of principles that one’s beliefs are guided by. Everyone practices some kind of doctrine. Their doctrine may be political, religious, scientific or from a particular philosophic group. Nobody develops their doctrine independently, it is usually shaped by their family, education, or whoever has the most influence in ones’ life. If people hold onto wrong or bad doctrine, it will be detrimental to them, and society. Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany during the 1930s and 40s, is just one of many examples in history, of how having bad doctrine can lead to societal chaos. On the other hand, good doctrine will be beneficial to individuals and a nation. The set of beliefs that are found in the Bible will cause a nation to prosper, not just economically but in every way.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
The rejection of Biblical doctrine and adoption of humanistic secular views by many western nations, will cause them to lose their prosperity and lead to their ruin. This is not only the case for nations but also for Christians who do not resort to the Bible as their primary source for doctrine.
#2 FOR REPROOF
Another word for reproof is to rebuke, which means to criticize sharply, usually from a position of authority. In the Bible, there are many examples of Jesus rebuking nature, devils and even his disciples. 1 Timothy 5:20 says “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” When a sinner commits a public scandalous sin, they need to be rebuked publicly to serve as a warning to others. If one does not know or use God’s Word as the basis for reproving or rebuking, scandalous sins will become normalized and corrupt a society.
#3 FOR CORRECTION
Whenever I am correcting my children’s schoolwork, I use an answer sheet to make corrections. The Bible is an answer sheet that we Christians need to use to correct the faults in our lives. A child who does not receive correction usually becomes spoiled. In today’s world, many people have become so spoiled with the sin of pride, that they are not willing to receive correction. In my experience of sharing the gospel with strangers, I have come across many people who are not saved but think they are good people just because they haven’t murdered anyone. Many sinners do not realize the seriousness of their faults until the Word of God is exposed to them. Therefore, the Bible brings awareness to people that correction is necessary. “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction…” (Proverbs 3:11) As Christians, we should always be willing to receive correction.
#4 FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
The true definition of what is right and wrong comes from the Bible. If you do not use the Word of God as the foundation to interpret what is right or wrong, you will be subjected to the interpretations of men or the ruling class in a society. When men define what is right or wrong, the definition will constantly change. Also, when the ruling class defines what is right, they will make sure that the definition of right is always in their favor. In contrast with the Bible, when God’s Word is used to define what is right, it brings true equity for everyone, because God is not a respecter of persons and God does not change.
“For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11) For I am the Lord, I change not…” (Malachi 3:6). God does not show favoritism, he offers His grace and love to everyone who is willing to receive it. Therefore, we can depend on His Word to instruct us in what is truly right, which is beneficial to everyone.
To sum everything up, Christians need to read their Bible everyday for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Christians who refuse to read the Bible are not only doing a disservice to themselves but to others as well. Due to the ignorance of God’s Word, people are becoming more immoral, and the foundations of society are being destroyed.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
For us to receive God’s blessings in our nation, we Christians need to seek God’s face by knowing and applying God’s Word in every area of our lives. Having a Biblical Worldview is needed to build strong marriages, families, churches, and nations.
