I DON’T HAVE TIME!

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

Have you ever been asked to do something and responded by saying, "I don't have the time!" Some people are too busy to do many of the things they enjoy. However, most people will find the time to do that, which is important to them. One thing that should be important to everyone is studying the Bible. It is important for a number of reasons. One is because the Bible is the way through which our Creator has chosen to communicate with us. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual {words}" (1 Cor. 2:12,13). God has revealed to us, in His own way and in His own words, His total will for humankind as it is recorded in the Bible. Therefore, we would do well to take the time to study it. Those who do not find nor make time to study the Bible are simply saying that whatever God has to say to them is not that important.

A second reason why the Bible is important is that it contains what is necessary for godly living. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "As His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue." Many think they are going to heaven because they happen to believe in Jesus and belong to a church. Yet, they continue to live immorally. If they had taken the time to study God's word, they would have noticed that "the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9,10). Many people who profess faith are involved in one or more of these sins. However, all of their religion, hoopin' and hollerin', and church going will not get them to heaven. They need to repent of their sins, stop doing evil, obey the Lord’s requirements for salvation (Acts 2:38) and start doing right (See Acts 3:19). Some people who are unmarried, living together and having sexual relations believe that they are right with God. There are people that "cuss" and drink alcohol on Saturday night and, then, go to church Sunday morning, who believe they are in good standing with the Lord. Obviously, if these people had taken the time to study the Bible, they would have learned that God does not tolerate such things (read Galatians 5:16-24). Unless they have put away these sins, they do not belong to Christ.

A third reason why the Bible is important is that it helps to make a person complete (2 Tim. 3:16.17). God has given us His word that we may profit from it. God's word contains what is necessary to be taught God's will. God's word also provides what is necessary to convince one of error and to put him on the correct path. Then and only then will a person be right in the sight of God. God's word, not only helps to turn a person from a life of wickedness, but also supplies the information necessary for his spiritual maturity and service to God.

How will a person know whether or not his salvation is according to God's will, unless he takes the time to study God's word? How does a person know whether his worship and service is acceptable in God's sight, if he refuses to study the Bible when asked? Those who never find the time to study and prove themselves spiritually (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 The. 5:21) will be very disappointed on the Day of Judgment. These people have not met God's approval. Paul told Timothy to "study to show thyself approved unto God . . ." (2 Tim. 2:15).

There are many sincere religious people who think they are on their way to heaven, who never took the time to really study the Bible. When they are asked to defend what they believe, they really do not have much to say. Yet, they continue to worship what they do not know (John 4:22). They have a zeal for God, but not according to God's word (Rom. 10:2).

If you have a genuine concern for doing what is important, you should find that the Bible is extremely important. Moreover, after having considered its importance, you should always find the time to study it.