The Bible is an important asset in the life of a believer. It’s the authoritative word of God and the foundational base on which his faith, direction, and way of life stand. Therefore, learning to live by the bible is learning to live by the word. And understanding the significance of the bible will move you to learn to live by it.
The significance of the bible can be understood through certain key dimensions. These include:
B. Guide for Life
The Bible is God’s manual to man for living here on earth, where He had richly giving practical ways of living successfully on earth. So, in it the Lord provided the principles of life and wisdom needed for day to day lifestyle.
1. Moral Guidance
The scriptures boldly outline the moral standards and proper way of behaving. This is because it shines light on the right way to go and the correct way to act in order to get to your desired destination.
Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path – Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)
Exodus 20:1-17 and Matthew 5-7 are examples of scriptures where God was specifically outlining how man should live every day. The first passage giving the ten commandments while the second passages are Christ sermon on the mount.
Therefore, following the scriptures guides you morally so you don’t fall into the traps of the enemy. Also, they are your standards by which you examine and measure your daily activities with examples.
2. Wisdom Literature
The scripture says that wisdom is the principal thing, and the bible is the wisdom bank of God! So, every scripture you read, understand and apply makes you wiser. For books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes offer practical training on daily living. For example:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV)
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. and in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. – Proverbs 4:7-8 (NKJV)
These scriptures above give you practical steps to take to enjoy success and honour, and avoid God’s judgment.
3.Spiritual Growth
Man is essentially a spirit that has a soul and lives in a body, and the spirit never dies. So, it’s paramount that you take care of you. This is because when you die your spirit goes to where you have prepared it to go, and your body becomes useless on earth. And the bible is that material you need to nurture your spirit into the form that will be allowed to spend eternity with the Lord. So, it encourages personal spiritual development through disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and worship
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day – Psalms 119:97 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Prayer, meditation and worship connect you to God, who is a spirit. For He relates to us through our spirits. Therefore, these disciplines when engaged sharpens your spirits with the Lord, thereby guiding it through the right path.
4. Conflict Resolution
The Bible provides principles for resolving interpersonal conflicts and fostering reconciliation
Every individual is different from another, including identical twins, having different thoughts, opinions, and personalities. As such individuals will respond or react differently. So, the scriptures give guidelines on how to deal with situations where people clash because of their different dispositions to issues. This is to foster peace among people as much as possible. For, we have been called unto peace.
For example, Matthew 18:15-17, give how you can resolve issues with anyone who offends you so as to reconcile back to him. Also, it tells you what to do should he refuse to listen to anyone for reconciliation.
Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector – Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV)
Furthermore, the bible instructs on what to put away and what to be in order to live in peace with one another. And instance is given in Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
5. Decision-Making:
Every day, we’re faced with issues that demand our making choices. And for you to make good decisions you need help from the only wise God, who created the universe. This is where the bible comes handy, in that it is the ‘WORD OF GOD!’
The bible offers guidance for making wise and informed decisions. This is because it is the wisdom bank of God! And, they are the guidelines from the Alpha and Omega, who is most reliable and trustworthy. Interestingly, the Lord is ready to give you all the wisdom you desire and to direct your path if you will trust Him.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him – James 1:5 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Conclusion
Truly, the Bible guides you through life with day to day principles of life, which when followed will guide you to your desired destination. Furthermore, it will provide the wisdom to maneuver through challenges leading to desired outcome with deep-rooted peace.
