As I was growing up, reading was one of my least favorite things to do. I never enjoyed when my teachers assigned me the task of reading. Whether I was asked to read an entire book or only a chapter or two didn’t matter, I didn’t enjoy reading. When I graduated college and begin my first job, the preacher I worked with challenged me to make reading a part of my ministry. His challenge wasn’t easy, but today I enjoy reading a good book. I like to read everything from action and mystery, to uplifting volumes and religious works. Now reading is almost always a part of my daily activities.

I have read several books over the course of the last few years. Many of them relate to Christianity and religion in some form or fashion. However, there is one book I like to read that stands high and above all other books. I continue to go back to this one book time and time again. Yes, I’m taking about the Bible. I know, you never would have guessed I was going to write that would you? The Bible is my favorite book. God’s Word is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. Please allow me the opportunity to explain what makes the Bible the book of all books.

First, the Bible is God’s Word to mankind. Unlike the other books I enjoy reading, the Bible is the only one which has been inspired by God. Paul told the young Timothy, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no greater author than the very author of the universe. This alone separates the Bible from every other book ever written.

Second, the Bible is beyond human production. Many people try to prove that the Bible is not inspired by God, but rather that it’s just another book produced by man. However, when one takes a close look, it is easy to see that the Bible is different from all other books. For instance, consider the amazing unity found within the pages of the Bible. This book was written over a period of about 1600 years by approximately 40 different writers who came from various backgrounds and educational levels. With this type of history, the Bible easily could be inconsistent. However, the Bible never once contradicts itself. It’s as though the Bible was penned by a single hand. The apostle Peter wrote, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). The fact that the Bible is beyond human production is a reason the Bible is unlike any other book ever written.

Third, no matter how many times I read God’s Word, I always learn something new. I love when I open God’s word and have things I have never thought about before jump out at me. These new lessons deepen my love for this amazing book. Most books, once you have read them, you know the story and you are no longer surprised by its content during future reads. With God’s Word this is not the case. I have a bookmark I keep in my Bibles that says, “Wisdom is gained every time your Bible is opened.” The Bible is the book above all books because unlike other books, I continually learn from it.

I enjoy reading all different types of books. Books that are funny, educational, serious, and thrilling. Yet, only one book do I continually go back to time after time, and that’s the B-I-B-L-E. Yes, friends, the Bible is the book for me!

Now that’s Something to Think About!