The Bible Has Lost Its Importance

Is this statement sacrilegious or full of truth? The following excerpt was written in the late 19th century.

“The Bible has been placed in the background, while the sayings of great men, so-called, have been taken in its stead. May the Lord forgive us the slight we have put upon his word. Though inestimable treasures are in the Bible, and it is like a mine full of precious ore, it is not valued, it is not searched, and its riches are not discovered.”

“…and it is in the word of God we find out how we may become possessors of these heavenly riches, and yet why is it that the word of God is uninteresting to many professed Christians? Is it because the word of God is not spirit and is not life? Has Jesus put upon us an uninteresting task, when he commands us to “search the Scriptures”? (John 5:3). The Highest Treasure, EG White

Fast forward to 2022, and if asked, “What is your favorite book?” rarely will the answer be “the Bible.” When I read the Devotional this morning entitled “The Highest Treasure,” I felt like rocks were in my stomach. Why? I have two reference points, a godly mother who studied the Bible as if her life depended on it, and I attended a Christian school for 10 years where the Scriptures were taught in a two-hour class, five days a week. And this was from kindergarten to the 9th grade.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23).

It is the reigning worldview to live your life as you desire. Since the Scriptures provide God’s instruction, direction, and acceptance of His plan for our lives, we understand why studying the Scriptures is no longer desirable.

Another issue has arisen with modern Christians–studying the Bible only to have a scholarly knowledge base, yet they do not live a life of humility and obedience to God. This is not judging others–their conversation, the places they visit, the people they hang out with, and the music or programs they watch reveal their true character of living to please themselves.

Still, the number one reason for not studying: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” (Matthew 22:37).

Today was definitely a “Come to Jesus” moment. What excuse could I offer for not diligently studying the Voice of God–the Bible every day? Studying the Scriptures is not scanning a few verses or reading multiple chapters to follow a daily Study plan. We are spiritually incomplete without an in-depth love for God and the desire for righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom.

David provides us with this prayer of humility:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24).

Self-reflection is only effective from the desire to give our whole hearts to Jesus. The simple, daily prayer of “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done in my life” is proof that we are ready to surrender to God. We become hungry and thirsty for direction from God. Our greatest desire will be to do God’s will.

Although there is a narrow focus on worshiping God by singing, which evokes an emotional response, we learn our priorities in approaching God. Through diligent prayer and study of the Scriptures, we follow the example of the life of Christ.

“But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24).

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for not having the desire to commune with You through the Study of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.