WHO SHOULD READ THE BIBLE?

The Bible should not be force fed to people.  It is for "seekers."  It is right and good to speak to others, particularly parents to their children, about the Bible being the Word of God and to share with them how God has spoken to us through it.  As a parent, I wanted my children to read the Bible.  I shared verses with them.  If they began to read it, because of my faith and my testimony, that was good.  However, it would not be the Word of God for them, until they were open to a relationship with God.  Thankfully, children are often more ready to be open to God, as my daughters were, than adults who have increasingly shut out the Presence of God.

The Bible, then, is for seekers.  "Seeking God" is a key faith phrase in the Bible, particularly in the OT.  To seek God a person has to be beyond the point of self-rule.  I had to recognize that ruling my life was not working and that I needed some "outside" help.  I had to become open to the possibility that I might have a Creator who cares to help, one who might enter into my life if I tried praying, if I tried reading the Bible with an open heart.  Whether I recognize it or not, when I rule my own life, I am usurping the role of the Creator and shutting out God's love, mercy, and grace.  Yet, Jesus is waiting and available.  When I was receptive, then the Bible become the Word of God to me.