Yes, the Bible must be read and interpreted carefully. But having done that, we must apply it to our lives now. Not as simply good spiritual advice that we can take or leave, but as God Word spoken directly to us. So when you take the time to read Scripture, remember that you are reading more than God’s Word spoken to Israel or to the first century Church. You are reading God’s Word to you, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to be understood in the here and now.

That is what the writer of Hebrews meant in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” So take time today to read God’s Word, the Bible. Let it pierce your heart and sink deep into your soul. Make the decision today that you will not sit in judgment over the Bible, instead you will let the Bible judge your thoughts and attitudes. God is pleased when we read the Bible with this humility and we are blessed by it.