The Bible: Don't Just Read It

[pioneer]

By David C. McCasland
Our Daily Bread devotional

Each year, one of my goals is to read the entire Bible. While listing it among my New Year’s resolutions, I noticed a bookmark on my desk. On one side was a brief appeal for people to take in foster children. On the other side were these words referring to that appeal: “Don’t read it. Live it. Real children. Real stories. Real life.” The people who produced the bookmark knew how easily we absorb information without acting on it. They wanted people to respond.

Regular intake of God’s Word is a worthy practice, but it’s not an end in itself. The prophet Ezekiel spoke to an audience who loved to listen but refused to act. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (33:32).

Jesus said: “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24).

How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says?

Don’t just read it. Live it! 

[simplylee]

between reading and living what we should do?

[Lorenzo]

Between reading and Living it, we should always always pray.

Good thread, Mike.

[simplylee]

in my opinion- reading does not mean learning, we can read without learning from what we read. intake of God's Word means reception, retention and recall. in learning the Word of GOD, it should be a classroom situation whether face to face learning or non-face to face. there must be a teacher who should explain the meaning of the WORD.
I-isagogical, C-categorical, E-exegetical  method, is my way of learning GOD's WORD.

[Lorenzo]

But of course, Tita.

For me, I learn and read the Sacred Scripture, and it is supplemented in attendance in Holy Mass sa Church.

As what my pastor always tells me in our private conversation, 'Read scripture, apply it in your daily life. Hold true to the sacraments. Christ will guide, that is guaranteed.'

Thank you for sharing your view, Tita Lee. Appreciate it.