The Bible for non-readers
Ever feel like you might have a problem, bordering on an addiction? I know I do.
I’ve said it many times to those who visit my office, “I kinda have a book addiction.” I know the difference between a legitimate physiologically-based addiction and my problem with books. I’m not trying to be flippant about those who genuinely struggle with substance addictions, etc. But I enjoy reading. It’s how I learn, grow, think, reflect, and change.
HOWEVER, I know that most people do NOT share my penchant for books. In fact the statistics show that reading is nowhere near the top of the priority list for the typical American, who reads 4 books per year.
Which brings me to my point. With reading rates continuing to decline, what does that say about the written word of God found in the Bible? It’s easy to conclude that people aren’t reading that book as much, either. Which is problematic, because it’s the one book that has the power to transform human lives.
But I think Bible reading is under-reported. Because people don’t just read about God’s word in the printed book. They read about it in transformed lives. Paul the apostle describes the lives of some of his fellow Christ followers this way:
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3
People see you as God’s word to them. God’s word of the power of transformation. God’s word of hope, healing, and new life. People are “reading” the Bible when they see your life.
Regardless of how many hours someone may spend reading a book, even if they read no books at all, they can still read the Bible. Your life is the Bible for non-readers.
What is your life saying to those who are reading you?
Something to consider as we consider how to live out our faith.
-Pastor Mark
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Posted on May 3, 2019, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
Living in faith, hope and Love 
Love this article! I consider myself a book addict as well. I read maybe 4 books a month, so I can’t imagine a world where I would only read 4 a year! I am actually just finishing up the Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye. It is AMAZING!
From one book addict to another I want to share my favorite book suppliers…
– http://www.thriftbooks.com (Great prices on new and used books, usually around $3-$4. Free shipping on orders of $10+)
– http://www.abebooks.com (Similar to thriftbooks but without the minimum requirement. Some sellers offer free shipping with their already low cost books.)
– http://www.thebookthing.org (FREE bookstore in Baltimore,MD. Every book is free and you can take as many as you like!)
– Friends of the Library(FOTL) in Montgomery County has monthly book sales at Germantown Library on the 2nd Saturdays of the month. You can buy books for $.50 – $1. Many MC libraries also have a book sale section. FOTL also has a physical bookstore in Rockville, MD.
– Wonder Books in Rockville, MD. Great prices, usually 1/3 to 1/2 cost of retail) and a huge selection.
How awesome would it be if the church set-up a Free Little Library in its’ foyer where members can take-a-book-leave-a-book! I’d happily donate 10 books to get it started!
Happy shopping!