Bubble Trouble
read›
2 Timothy 3:10-17
All Scripture is inspired
by God and is useful to
teach us what is true and
to make us realize what
is wrong in our lives
(v.16).
The new eco-friendly dish detergent was superconcentrated,
so I squirted much less than usual
into the dishwasher. I cranked the knob and walked
away. Minutes later, I heard a gurgling noise. Suds were
bubbling out of the dishwasher and cascading onto the
floor. After sopping up the mess, I read the label on
the container: “Not for use with automatic dishwashers.
Hand-wash only.” Ugh . . .
Sadly, my approach to life is often the same as my
approach to washing the dishes—I jump right in without
reading the directions. But God’s Word contains the
instructions we need (Leviticus 18:5).
Paul pointed out that the Bible “teaches us to do what
is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). In another letter, he outlined
some of the basics: “Live peacefully with each other.
. . . Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care
of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. . . .
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all
circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:13-16).
The Bible also makes us “realize what is wrong in our
lives” (2 Timothy 3:16). Since “the Word of God is alive
and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), it speaks to us when
we’re drooling over the neighbor’s new car . . . you
must not covet. It whispers, you must not steal, when we
could easily exaggerate business expenses. God’s Word
shows us our sin (Romans 7:7).
When I become blind to my sin and when I “forget” how God wants me to
live, His Word reminds me. The more I read the Bible, the more Scripture soaks
into my soul, where it can cleanse my conduct. This is how as Christians we
become “[equipped] . . . to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
—Jennifer Benson Schuldt
more›
Read Psalm 119:97-104
to see the benefits of
reading God’s Word.
Read Deuteronomy
8:11-14 to learn why it’s
important to read and
remember God’s Word.
next›
What’s the connection
between reading the
Bible and a Godhonoring
lifestyle? Why
is it so difficult to read the
Bible regularly? How can
you read God’s Word
more consistently?
