THE WORD

Reading "Flame of Fire" by Jane Oliver, I was shocked to be reminded that in England, during the early 16th Century, it was not only prohibited, but also a serious offense for anyone to possess an unlicensed copy of the Bible in English. William Tyndale who was responsible for the translation of the Bible to English during the 17th Century, was not only arrested and incarcerated in jail, but died at the stake for his life's work. It was, however following his death that King Henry VIII authorized the use of the English Bible in all parishes within his whole kingdom.

The common people, who could not read or write Latin, until that time, therefore did not have the use of the vernacular Bible in England.

           "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
            He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without
            Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of
            men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it...
           And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory
           as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1-5,14.

The average Christian household today owns at least one Bible, and in most cases, at least one Bible
per adult. Serious Bible students have many different translations to choose from when studying.

I seldom consider the fact that possessing the Word of God is not a right, but a privilege which we, in the Western World, take for granted. Here we have the freedom to read and study the Bible whenever and wherever and yet we do not realise that there are still countries, especially Islamic or Communist countries, where possessing the Word of God comes with a very real risk to one's life. The significance and value and joy of being able to share the Word with one another has been lost in this post-modern era. Technology today advances so rapidly that it becomes very difficult to keep abreast with developments and we are rushing around from pillar to post in such haste that we either do not have the time, or when we do, are too exhausted to invest time in eternal things.

Children no longer grow up playing with dolls and marbles, but keep busy watching television and DVD's or playing electronic games. I-Pods are the in thing. A great number of children do not receive any religious instruction or teaching at  all. Mix-it is the thing to do - what will it be tomorrow?

How will our children learn the basic, moral and spiritual values of the Creator, when violence, hate, passion, jealousy, and greed are the values most displyed in the media? With, in most cases, both parents in full-time employment, or there being only one parent per household, whose responsibility is it to instill proper values in our children? Are we setting the necessary example for them to follow or whom do they imitate as role models?

Do we still take time to worship God and share His Word as families? Do we even ensure that our children attend Sunday school or visit a church?

              "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
               for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
               thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:16

Father, thank You for your precious Word. Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of having it at hand to lead us and to teach and train our children in godly ways. Thank you that it equips us to be complete in righteousness and equipped for every good work. Help us to appreciate it, and to be godly role models for our children.