Clendon Thomas — Bible
Reading
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
No real athlete will agree to enter a game without first becoming familiar with the rule book. How are points scored? What is considered a foul? How many "time-outs" are allowed? What is the time limit on each game?
The Bible is the Christian's "rule book." In it he discovers the "rules of life." He learns what sin is. He learns what God in Christ has done about it. He learns how to respond in faith to God and how to live out that faith in daily life.
Students often excuse themselves from regular Bible study by pointing to their increasing load of homework.
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But of what value is the accumulation of many kinds of knowledge if the one Book is neglected that gives knowledge its real meaning and purpose?
My own "rule book" is filled with underlined passages and the edges of its pages are crowded with notations. To me, it's a book of practical strategy in my day-by-day struggle against the forces of Satan. It's a "working book" — actually a "weapon." In fact, in Ephesians 6:17, the word of God is likened to a sword.
The Bible is an intensely personal book. I don't expect anybody else on earth to understand the notes I've written in mine. The Bible answers my current problems when I read it. And a year later I can come back to the same familiar passage and find new applications there, applications that help me with new problems being faced.
Of course the Bible doesn't speak to the condition of men by itself. Its truth is mediated. Its insights are granted only to those who have bound themselves in loyalty and devotion to the Book's Author. In a similar way, an athlete's rule book does him little good until he has signed on to play under the direction of a coach.
The Christian's coach is Christ. Commitment to Christ makes the Bible your book, initiates you into its wisdom and enables you to put this wisdom into practice.
And that's the important thing to remember about the Bible. Its truth was written to be put into practice.
Someone once described a football team this way: "A center, two guards, two tackles, two ends, two halfbacks, a fullback and 50,000 quarterbacks in the grandstands."
It doesn't do much good to analyze correctly the opposing team's defense if you're sitting in the stands. And the insights gained through Bible reading are useless until we put them into action in daily life.
One of my favorite Bible personalities is Daniel. My
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decision not to drink or smoke can be traced in part to my study of this Scriptural character. Daniel found himself in the midst of an alien and godless society. In spite of constant temptation, he kept himself spiritually disciplined and in good physical condition.
As we apply Scriptural truth to our own lives according to our leading, we become salesmen for Christ. We become, in fact, the only "Bibles" many people will ever read!
Ask yourself these three questions: Am I really looking to Christ as the "coach" of my life? Do I consider the Bible as the indispensable "rule book" for living" Do I seek its wisdom, guidance and encouragement daily?
Prayer Suggestion
In your own words, ask God to open to you the rich treasures of the Scriptures. Ask Him to deepen your affection for this Book and make Bible reading a daily habit. Ask Him for the grace to put some truth of the Bible into action in your life today.
Clendon Thomas was an All-American football player at the University of Oklahoma; led the nation in scoring 1956. All-Pro halfback Pittsburgh Steelers.
