“Esteem this book as the precious fountain that can never be exhausted.” – Martin Luther

I was thinking about a scene from the second movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Two pirates are sitting in a small boat far from land. The larger one is paddling while the other is reading. He looks up from his book and explains to his partner, “We have to take care of our immortal souls.” He stresses each word with a tap of his finger on the book in his lap. The large one looks at him with confusion and says, “You can’t even read.” The one holding the book isn’t fazed and continues to skim through the book. “It’s the Bible,” he says, “You get credit for trying.”

Sometimes it seems as if we read the Bible with the same kind of attitude. We read it so casually that we can become removed from it. It’s as if we feel like we get credit just for cracking it open. Our eyes run over the words but our hearts aren’t affected.

But, hey, at least I read the Bible.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Scripture is God’s Word. It is a living text that the Creator of the universe inspired and continues to use to speak to His people. It is alive and active.

Rather than simply passively reading Scripture we should allow the living words of God inside run rampant in our hearts, quench our souls, and change our lives. Rather than simply posting a picture to Instagram of our Bibles laying open next to a cup of coffee, what if we meditated on Scripture and allowed it to affect the way we live.

So many times, we find ourselves complaining that we can’t hear God speaking in our situation or we haven’t heard an answer to prayer, yet we don’t even take the time to open His living Word.

Scripture gives us insight into the heart of God. It allows us to hear His voice. It can form our lives. It brings encouragement and direction.

Before you read, ask God to help you to not simply skim over the pages, but that His Word would come alive to you. Pray that Scripture would affect your heart and soul. Pray that it would be life-changing. The Holy Spirit may reveal things you’ve never noticed, speak into your specific situation, or remind you of a promise in Scripture.

Will you allow the living and active word of God affect your heart, mind, and life?

Parents: If you haven’t gotten your child a Bible yet, there is no better time than the present! Explain to them how the Word of God is living and active.