The Global Pandemic of Biblical Illiteracy
Every day there are new headlines spotlighting the Coronavirus pandemic across the world. Our news feeds are flooded with stories, statistics, and opinions about what is going on.
No doubt, every church in our country, and around the world, is making decisions that, in some way, have the virus in mind. Pastors who are worth their salt care for the physical welfare of the flocks over which God has placed them.
Yet, of even greater concern to pastors is the spiritual health of the people of God. While the Coronavirus only has the potential to weaken, or even destroy, one’s body, there is a greater threat that can weaken and even destroy one’s soul.
It is the threat of Biblical illiteracy.
How many Christians read and study and pray over their Bibles? On a daily basis? with any kind of spiritual value?
We know verses like Psalm 119:105 that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, yet many Christians are content walking in the darkness of their own thinking, reasoning, and feelings.
Without a growing understanding of and living out the truths of Scripture, a Christian is no better off than an unbeliever. What good is it to possess a Bible, and even to proclaim its value, but not know what it says about God, about sin, about life, and about the issues of the day?
How many times did Jesus challenge his listeners, “have you not read…?”
Without the Scripture in your heart, there is no hope of living a godly life that will honor God.
Yes, there are more dangerous diseases than the Coronavirus. Biblical illiteracy is one of them.
Today, may we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
Taigen Joos is the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Dover, NH. He blogs here, where this article first appeared. It is republished here by permission.