“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
G.K. Chesterton was once asked what book he would want if he were stranded on a desert island. As a theologian, you might expect him to say the Bible. But he quipped, “I would choose a book on boat building.” In that situation, a boat building manual would come in handy.
Thankfully, most of us are not stuck on islands. Yet we are living in a world filled with challenges, pitfalls, sin, and brokenness. We are living in a world that can make us feel stranded. And for this world, God has given us one powerful and reliable book: the Bible. It may not help us build a boat, but it helps us build a life that honors God and stands strong.
According to 2 Timothy 3, the Bible is inspired by God and extremely useful. It teaches us what is true and shows us when we have gotten off track. It corrects us, directs us, and prepares us for every good thing God wants to do in us and through us. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” The Bible also makes us wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), gives us strength and hope (Romans 15:4), feeds our souls (Matthew 4:4), helps us resist temptation (Psalm 119:11), and reveals God’s heart to us (Mt. 11:29).
Howard Hendricks, a seminary professor, once said, “Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives.” That is not meant to shame us. It is an important reminder that the Bible was never meant to sit on a shelf. It was meant to be opened, read, and lived. The Bible is not just for emergencies or extreme situations. It is the book we need for the world we are in. So rather than building a boat, let’s open the book and let God build our lives.