A Great Book if Applied  

While studying in the Holy Lands, a seminary professor heard about a man who claimed to have memorized the entire Old Testament, and in Hebrew!  Needless to say, the professor was astonished, and he asked to meet the man and see a demonstration.  A few days later they sat together in the man’s home.  “Where shall we begin?” asked the man.  “How about Psalm 1?” replied the professor, who happened to be an avid student of the Psalms.  Beginning with Psalm 1:1, the man began to recite from memory while the professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible.  For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence.  Finally, when the demonstration was over, the professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man.  He was an atheist!  Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn’t even believe in God. 

In one of my books by Charles Swindoll, he writes about how some folks think being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves all problems.  They expect that Bible instruction alone should be enough to instantly fix any adverse situation they might be experiencing.  But is Bible knowledge alone sufficient to meet all needs?

Swindoll suggests thinking of the Scriptures as a map that tells you how to get to a certain destination.  But just looking at a map won’t automatically transport you to Arizona or England or Peru.  Getting to those places requires making the appropriate effort: pay the cost, take the time for travel, stay at it until you arrive.  In a word, persevere in following the path as directed by the map.

So it is in living the Christian life.  God’s map is reliable and available.  It is also clear and direct.  It shows us the way to where we need to go.  But the Bible in and of itself will not automatically send its reader to his/her ultimate heavenly destination. 

Please don't misunderstand.  I love God’s Word!  I am more convinced than ever that its trustworthy truths are of inestimable value.  But it is not a magic potion that you rub on yourself three times a day to chase the devil away.  Nor is it something you put under your pillow hoping that the next morning you will suddenly know and experience all its truths.  The great words of Scripture must be applied in order to give you all the benefits it offers.

James 1:21-22 says, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”