I once drove by a church marquee that read, “A dusty Bible means an unfed believer.” As I thought about those words, I realize they didn’t go far enough. They conceded malnourishment, but in reality, a dusty Bible means an unbeliever. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17)
What could it mean?
Could a dusty Bible means a hater of God?
Too harsh? A lover of God keeps the commandments of his word (John 14:15). People who don’t diligently study fail to keep his commandments (2 Tim. 2:15). A Bible covered in the dust of neglect betrays a lack of true love for God.
Could a dusty Bible means an enemy of God?
God’s enemies hinder his purpose. The owner of a dirty Bible relegates God to a low priority in his life. Family, work, and recreation all squeeze God out, while personal outreach and prayer are nonexistent. In the end, he resembles one against Christ (Matt 12:30).
Could a dusty Bible means a disgrace to God?
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Those refusing to study are not “approved,” and stand before him in shame and disgrace. If at one time, they knew the word, obeyed it, and had since fallen into the rut of not studying, they are worse than when they started (2 Pet 2:20).
Could a dusty Bible means a soldier of Satan?
Satan lures people to his side by giving them excuses for not meditating on the word. John identified the children of the devil as those who do not do righteousness (1 John 3:10). When a person doesn’t study and grow, he isn’t righteous, and sides with the devil.
What does your Bible say about you?
Does your Bible say, “Well done good and faithful servant?” or does it beg for more attention?
Preaching Minister
