The beaming faces spoke about great successes. “$1000 in one month.” “$700 my first day!” “$4000 and I only worked part-time.” The infomercial featured a book and program that promised to provide make big money from the comfort of your home by advertising online. However, below those big smiles was the fine print.
“In a poll of those who bought the book, the majority of people did not read the book or apply it. Most did not make any money.”
Surprisingly truthful.
As I read the disclaimer, I wondered if that also could be said about believers in Christ. We have the book that offers eternal life. God’s Word outlines how to gain victory over temptation and sin. The Proverbs of Solomon overflow with practical advice for every area of life. The New Testament epistles are rich with theological instruction. Yet, even the Bible is of little value to someone who lets it rest undisturbed on the shelf. The test of our Christian walk is obedience to God’s Word. This requires us first to become students of the book. More than just breezing through a chapter, we should give thoughtful consideration to what we read. The Psalmist even encourages us to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). Even better is to memorize Scripture so that we can draw on it’s power at any time. Finally, our study of the Bible should always produce practical application.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
It’s not enough simply to own a Bible. We must live a life that accurately reflects it. Our goal should be to maintain a testimony that doesn’t need any disclaimers.