The Puzzle of Life
Steven (Fanie) Loots, Bibles for Believers.
Most of us have a lifetime of Biblical exposure built into our lives. Even if someone
took away our Bibles, the foundation has been cast and we could continue to build
on it. Not so for new believers in Africa and elsewhere in the world.
Paul reminded Timothy : “why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's
milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” ( 2Tim 3:15)
For most of us the Bible has played a part in our lives since we were small; exposure
to God’s Word has been a lifelong experience. In our homes, through our parents,
at Sunday school, at normal school, in the army, on T.V. and radio, in church,
through the preaching, in our quiet times, through video’s and tapes and DVDs and
through Christian music. Over decades we have absorbed, often subconsciously, the
Word of God. We have internalized the basics and even unknowingly applied the
lessons. When we came to Christ through faith, it became alive to us.
The Word guides us, keeps us and encourages us. Even if it were taken away we
would not be without it. Collectively we could reconstruct much of it, if not word
for word, then at least in as far as its basic message is concerned.
Imagine how it must be to be a new convert out of a totally non‐Christian
background. With no Christian or Biblical foundation, no knowledge of God, no
exposure to His Will, Character or Nature, no understanding of morality and no
spiritual reference. This may be compounded by having a background steeped in
occultism, forefather worship, false religion, ungodly traditions and immoral
behaviour.
This is what it is like for millions of new Christians all over the world. Born again into
the Kingdom of God; saved by grace and filled with His Spirit, but lacking
knowledge. Converts but not yet disciples. This in itself is not a problem. The
problem arises when they have to start growing and they do not have the Word to
guide them.
Someone has said that life is a complex puzzle and that the Bible is the picture on
the box. In other words it is God’s blueprint for living – the Owner’s manual. A
popular bumper sticker says it all, “When all else fails, read the instructions.”
Christians everywhere have discovered that God’s Word truly is a lamp and a light.
We are encouraged to have a Biblical World View, to have Godly homes and Biblical
marriages. Often when faced with a piece of the puzzle of life we don’t understand
we say ‘what does the Bible say?’ As we try to understand our lives we need to keep
looking at the picture to see where all the pieces fit.
The Bible is also a roadmap, showing us where we need to be in the future, guiding
our lives and giving direction. Through the Word God speaks to us. We hear the
voice of the Shepherd saying: “Follow me.”
Despite a decreasing dependence on God’s Word in the lives of many Christians,
with growing numbers reading and studying the Word less and less, we know where
to turn in a tight situation. We have the background and the Word close at hand
when a dispute arises, we have the tools to quickly search for an appropriate verse
when trouble comes, when we are lonely or grieved. Even when we do not read it
for ourselves we can quickly turn to a myriad of Bible teachers who can address our
problems.
How would we manage the complexities of this multi‐pieced puzzle without the
picture to guide us? How do people with no inkling of what it is that they should be,
or should be doing, or should believe, manage? Where do they turn when even
their leaders are Bible–less? Well that’s the problem. They often don’t. The cults
come and snap them up. Or the devil destroys their faith or disunity divides their
churches or discouragement leaves them feeling lost and deserted.
How does a new convert with no exposure to the Bible know how to be a godly
husband? Who will guide him in how to parent his children or how to set standards
of morality? How does a new Christian cope with grief, not knowing that the Holy
Spirit is our Comforter? When overcome by sickness or poverty where will these
new believers discover that God is a Father who longs to provide for us?
Things we take for granted and knowledge we think is widespread is often denied
those in poor countries where Bibles cost more than people can afford.
So much has been done to make the Bible available. Since the Reformation men
and women and organizations and churches and denominations have poured
resources into translating and printing the Bible – making available the Master’s
blueprint. This great work continues. Now another dimension needs to be added –
we need to address the needs of poor Christians who cannot buy a Bible for
themselves. Despite all that has been done the sad truth is still that there are oven
500 million believers in the world without the Word of God. Now is the time for
Christians and churches everywhere to make a huge effort in supplying the Word of
God to believers who pray continually that our Heavenly Father will send them His
Word.
What will you do….?
