Can you buy or steal a little, for God?

Just a couple of facts (you can find these with a simple search online): The Bible is the number one selling book of all time, and it is also the most stolen book. I find that interesting. Not only will many people pay for God’s word but, they will steal it when given a chance. It must be a significant book because I know of no other faith that has that record to boast about (if boasting about it is a good thing). In addition, I read online that (in 2017) nearly 80% of Americans believe(d) that the Bible is God’s literal or inspired word, when asked, (https://www.factretriever.com/bible-facts). That’s also an impressive amount of folks.

So, if we want to have God’s word so much, why does it seem that we don’t read it? How do I know that we don’t read it? Well, read or watch the news for a short time and you’ll see how I know. There doesn’t seem to be anyone following the simple (greatest) commandment to love God with all our heart and soul and love our neighbors as ourselves. It seems that in nearly every country, leaders (and followers) are not heeding Lincoln’s axiom that a nation/people divided against itself will not stand. (I’m paraphrasing a bunch here.) If we are not driven apart by economic status, it’s race, and if it’s not race, then it’s gender or a shot in the arm. Divide and conquer! It seems as if our leaders benefit from everyone being at odds. Which (again) seems very interesting to me because so many have the Bible based on its sales and theft rates. You’d think (with God’s message of love thy neighbor all around us) we’d have a little idea as to what is in it, and not get on each other’s nerves so much. (Full disclosure, no one is currently on my nerves. I’m talking about the news.)

So, what’s in the Bible that so many have acquired? Isaiah 43 (NIV) says, “1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed (restored) you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” As a believer in Jesus we are grafted in with our Jewish brothers and sisters and these words are also for us. Because of sin we will lose this life (unless you believe in Jesus and you’re here when He returns) but, nothing can hurt us in eternity. God will be with us. In addition, Ephesians 4 (NIV) states, “1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” If a significant number of us possess these words why do we not then read or act on them? Do we think that just owning/having a Bible is our ticket to heaven? We are protected by the Creator of everything and we should bear with one another in love. That seems rather easy doesn’t it. Well, it works on paper. I don’t know what it is but, in real life, many seem to enjoy telling others how to live and what to do; as if they’re God.

Another reason I think many believers don’t read (and act on) the Bible we have all around us is that many still think they need to earn their way into heaven. There’s a verse in James that (kinda) says that our works will demonstrate our faith (in God). Here’s my (well, God’s) answer to working your way into heaven. It’s from Ephesians 2 (NIV), “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Need God say more?

So, God (in advance) prepared stuff to keep us busy. Now, I think you can work hard to find out what this is, or just let it happen and remember to be humble, patient, gentle and act in love. I believe that that is what separates true believers in Christ from the world. It is not how much you tell people what to do, believe, or how to do it. Quietly showing your faith by how you live speaks more loudly than anyone on TV, podcast, or in the news. For believers, if we read only one chapter (or even a verse) a day from the Bible, we’d be more apt to see God’s hand in our daily lives as we stretch out ours in life and in helping others. You have to use your hands and read it yourself though. Me telling you (a few lines of) what it says doesn’t carry the weight of you opening this Word which so many have bought and stolen. So, if you bought it, can you steal a little time for God?