“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

William Shakespeare, the renowned English poet, playwright, and actor, wrote: “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and entrances.”

Consider an opera, play, or Broadway performance. There is always a dress rehearsal before the main event, during which time is dedicated and all preparations are made. Once the show begins, each actor fulfills their role and exits the scene upon completion.

My friends, life can be compared to a dress rehearsal. Every moment prepares us for eternity; we have each been created for a specific purpose. Just as in a play, we have been given a script to learn and follow—the Bible. Inspired by God, it provides instructions in righteousness and teaches us how to live in harmony with God and others. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

The Bible is our prescription for life, and a thoughtful acronym, well worth considering, as The B.I.B.L.E.—our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible is the greatest love story ever told and remains the best-selling book in the world. It has God as its author and salvation as its means, leading to eternal life. As stated in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

    The Bible provides us with sound doctrine, tells us what to believe, and guides us in the truth, illuminating our errors and providing the means and empowerment to correct us. It teaches us to embrace, receive, and give the love of God to others. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

The question for you today is whether you will faithfully read, study, meditate on, and follow the instructions provided by God, or choose to follow the spirit of this world, which leads to destruction. 

My friends, our spiritual growth and eternal destination depend on our obedience to the word of God. As Romans 12:2 instructs, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Joshua 1:8 offers a faithful promise to all who follow God’s word: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

I can still hear the old saints singing, “I woke up this morning with my mind on Jesus!” Where is your mind today, and what does your spiritual diet consist of? Jesus spoke these words about Himself: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51.

If you have neglected to search the scriptures and discover the comfort, peace, joy, and direction they provide, I encourage you to pick up your Bible today. Seek an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ—the way, the truth, and the life—before leaving earth. As John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

May God’s blessings of peace, wisdom, and joy be with us all.