by juliaf from www.sxc.hu
I see increasingly less people carrying print Bibles. I myself use electronic devices regularly to study the Scriptures, so I understand they have their place and are great tools. But let me share seven reasons why you should have a personal print Bible that you still carry to church and read at home.
- You can love a print Bible. No one will hold up an iPad at your funeral and talk about how much you loved your Bible app. A print Bible is something you become emotionally attached to as you carry it for years. It guides you through the ups-and-downs of life. It is a source of strength and hope. You grow to love its feel, pages, and wear.
- It is more sacred. We understand the cover and paper are not holy, but the message. But there is just something more special and sacred about reading from a print Bible. It is valuable to have a book dedicated solely to the purposes of God. A beautiful leather-covered Bible invites you to be reverent and respectful because you are standing on holy ground.
- It is free from distractions. The challenge of using your phone or tablet is the constant notifications that you receive. Consider the teenager who carries their phone versus a print Bible to class, which method is going to create more distraction when their mind should be on God? A print Bible removes the temptation to check that email or Facebook notification. Apps themselves often have advertisements or notifications that can be distracting.
- You learn more about the whole Bible and the context of your Scripture. In a Bible app you don’t get a feel for the entire book. With a print Bible, when you open to Genesis you know you are in the beginning of the book. You have a better overall context. You learn about the books of the Bible by flipping and gain a distinction between the Old and New Testaments. You have a better feel for the entire story of Scripture.
- You can take notes in your print Bible. Yes, I know Apps allow some notetaking as well, but they aren’t as permanent. My wife loves to underline and write notes throughout her Bible. You can highlight or note other Scriptures that relate.
- It works better with your mind to help memorize locations and Scriptures. Our minds have a photographic component. They will remember words and Scriptures in a certain place. As you use the Bible you begin to memorize the location of a verse or topic. You may not know the exact verse, but you can locate it because you remember reading it and where it was found.
- It makes a statement to yourself and others. A print Bible makes a statement to yourself of your purpose in picking up the book. If carrying it to church it says to you and others, we are going to study and worship God. Reading a Bible can even be an evangelistic opportunity when in public, often prompting questions. It is a way to share your faith and conviction, but if you are reading on an electronic device they don’t even know you are in God’s word.
I hope you will consider these seven reasons. I hope you will start carrying your old Bible again or purchase a new one. Also, let me appeal to you to purchase each of your children a Bible. Make them carry it to church and use it in their classes. They need to know how to use a print Bible and be encouraged to fall in love with God’s word.
