When you look at the Bible, what do you see?

For some people, they see a trusted friend, its cover worn and smoothed with years of use, its pages marked and underlined and highlighted. Others see a family heirloom, something in which to save important documents and dates then return to the coffee table or a shelf in the den. Still others see what they believe to be an antiquated, irrelevant collection of stories and myths, too often used as a crutch by the “weak-minded,” the “superstitious,” or the “zealots.”

40 different authors, 66 books, 1,500 years in the writing. So how can this ancient book… (or more precisely, collection of books) be relevant and understood today? And how can we help make it real for our friends, family, and neighbors who may be in the “heirloom” or “stories and myths” categories mentioned earlier?

Well, first, we can go directly to the Source, the Author of the Book. The Bible tells us that, “the things of the Spirit of God…are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14), so we must ask – in the same way that we ask for ourselves – that the Holy Spirit will speak to the hearts and minds of our loved ones that they might understand these things.

I’m sure you’ve had the experience in the past of sharing the reasons why you do certain things, or why you live a certain way, with a colleague at work or a family member. You explain your motivation — to honor God and live according to His Word — and they either shake their head and walk away…or they may say, “Well, that’s fine for you, but…” The thing is, God’s principles for living the “abundant life” of which Jesus spoke (John 10:10) are not just restricted to a “chosen few.” Sometimes, that’s difficult for folks to see, but the Holy Spirit can bring enlightenment, instruction, conviction and, finally, peace as we (and they) allow Him to guide and instruct.

Second, if folks can see that living Biblically (by God’s grace) has made a difference in our lives, they may decide that this “ancient library” can be a blessing in their lives as well. People hear and see many more “sermons” during the week than the one preached from the pulpit at church. As the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5, we are called to be “ambassadors for Christ,” with a “ministry of reconciliation.” In other words, we are to be examples of what God can and wants to do in humanity, to demonstrate that “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Of course, you’ve heard and read this before; these verses probably aren’t new for you. So why do I bring this up today?

Well, because there’s a family member of yours whose been struggling with a decision – and you’re just the one they need to hear from today…

…because a co-worker has been watching you – and has questions about what it means to follow God…

…because your life has made an impression on someone in your address book or contacts list on your phone – and it’s time to give them a call and invite them over for a meal.

May God and His Holy Spirit direct your conversations, your phone calls, and your e-mails this coming week as you make and keep these “divine appointments.”

[reminder]How has your life been blessed by the Bible? [/reminder]