Erika closed the devotional book she was reading and put on her shoes. She was meeting her sister and niece for dinner. A true girls’ night out.

            As she entered the restaurant, her niece’s hand fluttered in the air. “Aunt Erika, over here!” Erika nodded to the hostess and joined Emily and Kate at their table.

            “It’s been too long,” Erika said, embracing Emily and Kate in turn. “How long will you be in town?”

            “Until Thursday,” Emily said. “That gives Kate a day or two at home before her spring break is over.”

            Erika turned toward Kate. “Most college students like to spend their spring break on the beach, but you’re stuck here with your aunt.”

            Kate grinned. “I don’t mind. I get to go out to a fancy dinner. Much better than dining hall food. Mom’s work is paying for the food and the hotel while she attends the conference. I get to hang out by the hotel pool while she goes to boring lectures all day. Besides, I have plenty of work to do over break. I have to write a 10-page paper about a book.”

            “Oh? How is that coming along?” Erika asked.

            “It’s fine. I read a couple of commentaries about the book, talked to some classmates about it, and found a few YouTube videos. I think I have all the background I need.”

            “Did you enjoy the book?” Emily asked.

            Kate lay her menu on the table. “Oh, I didn’t actually read the book. That’s why I went to all those other sources.”

            Emily and Erika stared at Kate. “You’re writing a paper on a book you never read?”

            Kate waved a hand. “It’s no big deal. Like I said, I have all those other sources.”

            “Don’t you want to find out for yourself want the book says?” Emily asked. “What if the other people come to a different conclusion than you do? You’ll lose the author’s intent if you don’t read his own words.”

             Kate picked up the menu. “So, what’s good here?”

             It was clear the conversation was over. She was, after all, a college student. She knew what she was doing.

             Later that evening as Erika let herself back into her apartment, she spied the devotional book still sitting on her coffee table. Kate’s words echoed in her ear. When was the last time Erika had actually read the Book? Sure, she went to church each Sunday, talked to friends about the Bible occasionally, and read her devotional, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d read the Bible for herself. Why was she trusting other people to tell her about God when she could go to Him herself? She picked up her Bible and settled into her easy chair. All those other sources were a good supplement, but she vowed never to trust others to read the Book for her again.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You for speaking to us through it. We are so blessed to live in a society that has so many resources to bring people closer to You. Help us use those resources to grow and understand, but please help us to remember Your word comes first and should be the foundation of our fellowship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.