So, today I was riding in the elevator with a group of men and they were talking about another man who was not present labeling him a “Bible Thumper”; saying yeah he thumps it pretty hard and the other said well to each his own if it works for him” and the other said “whatever floats his boat”. As I was standing there listening, I wondered if they knew how I felt about God’s Word would they refer to me as a Bible Thumper too? What exactly is a Bible Thumper? Well even though I had heard this term many times before and have even been described as one, curiosity and those words stuck with me so I decided to look up the term and see what google says. The term was derived from preachers thumping their hands down on the Bible, or thumping the Bible itself, to emphasize a point during a sermon. It is also used to describe a person with “fundamentalist” beliefs about the Bible who aggressively push their beliefs on other people in an effort to judge or condemn them. However, we all know that it is most widely used as a derogatory term to describe Christian’s in general especially Christian’s who choose to live by the conviction of the Word of God and live out its precepts instead of following the world’s ways. I couldn’t help but think if they only knew what they are missing by not following God and His Word would they still feel the same? I know for me I tried everything the world has to offer and lived by its standards, ways, ideas, wisdom and I would always come up empty but living by God’s Word, His principles, His wisdom and His ways caused my life to be full of joy, peace, contentment, success and confidence that I never had when following the world’s or my own ways. Furthermore, whether you believe it or not, God’s Word is truth!
John 17:17 “Sanctify them with the truth, Your Word is truth”.
For me, It’s comforting to know that there is an absolute truth that I can hope and trust in rather than the world’s relative truths that change depending on what the government, society or what the current trend says is truth. Not only that I don’t have to be captive Satan’s lies, strongholds, and deception anymore and can instead walk in the light of God’s truth and be free.
John 8:32 “If you abide in my word, then you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. “
Another reason I love God’s Word is because it is necessary to have life. In fact, it says that in order to live I can’t just rely on being physically nourished with food but I have to feed myself spiritually on the words of God in order to be strengthened spiritually and to be prepared for the daily spiritual battle that I have to face against Satan’s attacks and temptation which are aimed to bring death and destruction to my life. I mean if Jesus used the Word as a weapon against temptation and the lies of Satan then how much more do I need it to overcome and have victory in my life. I know in my past, I tried to live life in my own strength and I lived in defeat and I failed miserably!
Matthew 4:4 “It is written “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.“
Furthermore, God’s Word assures me that if I mediate on His teachings, memorize them and bind them permanently in my mind and heart that they will lead me daily in His path, they will help me make wise decisions instead of foolish ones, it will guard me when my defenses are down and it will speak to me. Yes it really does speak and it tells me who I am in Christ, it tells me not to fear when I am afraid, it strengthens and encourages me when I am weak, it comforts me when I am down, it corrects me when I am wrong, and it sheds light on every dark situation I face.
Proverbs 6: 21-23 “Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you, when you sleep they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life”.
In addition, God’s Word equips me with everything I need to carry out His purpose for me. It teaches me His truths and is my reference for teaching others, it corrects me and and provides a foundation when I am ministering to others, and it gives me instruction on how to live a godly life all so that I will be prepared for the work of the ministry He has called me to.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Finally, God’s Word is eternal when nothing else is. All of earth including humans, our opinions, our ideas, our knowledge, our works, all of our achievements, all material things, everything created, and even heaven itself will pass away but His Word will never pass away but will stand forever.
“Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
So for me, I will take my chances and stick with God’s Word, a powerful, life-giving eternal truth and will proudly wear the title “Bible Thumper” because after all, to each his own!
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