In the words of Paul, “I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness…” – 2 Corinthians 11:1
I have to admit I am a very possessive person. I generally like things just the way I have them. If they are disturbed, I am disturbed. I do not generally want anymore than I have, but I usually do not want anything to be taken away either. If I ever acquire more of what I like, I desire to keep it. I am this way about my bibles… yes bibles (plural). I currently own several bibles, several different translations, ranging from Greek/Hebrew to KJV to TNIV. They are my bibles too, you cannot have them! Go buy your own!
At least, that is how I feel, but I realize that is the silliest feeling to have. One day as I was driving into work, I was thinking about a conversation I had with my wife the previous night. We were talking about meeting with the Church in our house for some time of fellowship. As I was thinking of this my mind drifted to a story I heard of a stinky homeless man only being welcomed in one church building on a street full of church buildings. He had been rejected from all the others because of his smell and dress. As my mind drifted further and further (yes, I was still driving) I asked myself, “If the only fellowship I had with the Church was in my house, would I let a stinky homeless man in my house?”
Of course the little Christ in me shouted yes. Although it was a fearful yes because the old man in me shouted no. As my mind started to drift even further I asked myself. If you witnessed to this man and he was saved by Christ, would you give him one of your bibles?
That questions flashed images of my whole world crumbling, if I did, which bible would I give him? Maybe one of those cheap Gideon bibles, we have a few from hotels that we’ve stayed at (they are free to take right?). If I did would I be being selfish? Should I give him my favorite NASB Thinline bible? I sure do like the look and feel of it. After all, it is my only NASB and I may never find one with the same look and feel! Perhaps the new ESV I received for Christmas with my initial embedded in it? It sure is pretty and I would hate to lose it – plus what if my in-laws found out that I just gave it away! Maybe I should give him my first study bible – the notes might be helpful to him. Then again, it was my first bible, my wife gave it to me, and does hold sentimental value to me. The Greek and Hebrew bibles are out of the question – surely a homeless man does not know these Biblical languages.
As I started to come to my senses I realized how silly these thoughts were. Why would it matter which bible? Why do I care about one bible over another? Most of the time I look at the Greek on my computer anyway. The first thing that I thought of is the idea that the ink, on the paper, in the binding, that we call the bible has become revered, worshiped even. Although I have long forsaken this idea, I realize that part of my attachment to my bibles stems from this tradition.
As a Christian, would you give your bible to someone who needed it more? Are there any traditions holding you back from ministering to others the way God would want you to?
Lew
I popped over here from Alan’s blog :-)
This is a great post and very thought provoking. My husband and I have been discussing the same thing that you asked in the last sentence and I asked a question related to it on my blog this morning.
Thanks for posting your thoughts … they are edifying.
Blessings!!
Lew,
This is a great post on several levels. I love the line, “Of course the little Christ in me shouted yes.” I wish I could say, “Yes, I would give my Bible away.” I have done this before, and I would probably do it again. But, I can’t say that I always would. Because, like you said, sometimes the “old man” screams louder than the “little Christ”.
-Alan
“Maybe one of those cheap Gideon bibles, we have a few from hotels that we’ve stayed at (they are free to take right?).”
While Proverbs 6:30 does say: “Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;” which seems to be a direct referral to stealing Bibles, it is immediately followed by verse 31: “But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.”
Thus, as you’ve been found, it would be honorable for you to count the number of Bibles you’ve taken, find a local Gideon and restore unto them at least sevenfold, as God’s Word instructs.
God bless you as you honor HIM!
Dear Anonymous,
I see that you and I share a common desire to see God honored by people and for people to be blessed by Him. You’ve also demonstrated that we share an affinity for God’s Word and for people to take seriously its content.
Only the Lord knows whose eyes may come to bear on the content and comments of this particular blogsite. As it is a distinct possibility that someone may come who does not know the great God of Scripture, I ask that you please be mindful of the type of witness you bear if you count yourself among His representatives.
If you do and you are serious about what you’ve posted, consider that you dishonor Him by speaking to Lew anonymously about such matters.
May God’s grace be with you.
Stan
Anonymous,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I moseyed on over to the Gideon’s website and visited their FAQ. The first question listed is, “How can I obtain Bibles/New Testaments from The Gideons International?” The answer is, “Members of The Gideons International place and distribute scriptures in 181 countries in 82 languages. We focus on five primary areas: Hotels and Motels…” Which tells us that you can “obtain Bibles” from “Hotels and Motels.”
Just to be doubly sure, I called the Gideon’s and discovered that the Bibles are free to take.
Do not worry my friend, even if I am wrong about the above statements, I have previously restored any debt I may have accrued to the Gideon’s.
Lew