https://thepreachersword.com/2019/10/03/bring-your-bible/#more-14640
Bring Your Bible
Today, October 3, is “Bring Your Bible to School Day” in the United States.
It is the sixth year for the event sponsored by Focus on the Family. According to their website, it is designed to “celebrate religious freedom and share God’s love with their friends”
Furthermore, “the event is designed to empower you as a student to express your belief in the truth of God’s Word–and to do so in a respectful way that demonstrates the love of Christ.”
Participation in BYBTSD is voluntary and student-directed.
Of course, the reality is that every day is “Bring Your Bible To School Day.” While there are some concerns that our religious freedoms are being eroded, it is still legal for a student to carry a Bible at school. To read it. And to share their faith with others. Religious freedom is a first amendment right.
Unfortunately, the Bible has been used as a political football by friends and foes alike to advance a personal or political agenda. The apostle Paul reminds us of the purpose and practical nature of God’s revelation to mankind.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Bible teaches us about God. His nature. His will. And His plan for man’s salvation. It rebukes us when we’re wrong. Provides correction to get us back on the right path. Shows us how to live a holy life. And trains us to be competent in ministry.
I like the motto for this year’s event: “Bring It. Share It. Live It.” Because it speaks to a functional, down to earth, everyday way of living. What if we all applied these three concepts in our daily lives?
Bring it. Not just to school. But to work. To social events. To recreational activities. And on vacation. Now, I don’t necessarily mean literally in every case, though today that’s pretty easy with the Bible on our iPhones, iPads and computers. But let’s bring the principles and precepts of the Bible to every activity and everywhere we go.
Share it. We share things we’re interested in and excited about. We recommend movies. Restaurants. Books. Vacation spots. And apps for our phones.
Why not recommend and share your faith? Lovingly, kindly, respectfully, but unashamedly let others know who you are. What you believe. Where you stand. And why you’re a Christian.
Live it. It easy to carry a Bible around. You can memorize a few verses. And spout some platitudes about religious freedom and Christian values. What is more difficult is daily living. Of really applying God’s Word in your life.
When we live it at school, kids won’t need to see a Bible in our hands, but they will see Christ living in us by our speech, attitudes and actions.
When we live it at work, people will see a hard-working, honest and honorable employee respecting his fellow workers, following the employer’s directives and treating clients fairly.
When we live it at home, there will be harmony and happiness. A close-knit bond will be felt. And Christ will be honored in our words and deeds.
When we live in our communities, our neighbors will know we both believe and practice the second great commandment–“love your neighbor as yourself.”
When we live it on social media, we will refrain from ugly allegations, unkind insinuations, and unjust accusations.
Remember, as D. L. Moody expressed it, “The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”
The Bible. Bring it. Share it. Live it.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
No comments:
Post a Comment