Based on Psalm 119:97-105

Any computer user who’s ever installed software, joined a social network or updated a program like iTunes is familiar with what’s often called a licensing agreement. Somewhere in the process of installing or updating, you’ll run into something labeled “software license” or “terms of use,” with a request that agree before proceeding with what you’re doing.

When I was a new computer user, I actually tried to read those things, but I now just click “agree” and go on. It’s not that I don’t think that the information is important. I do that because those agreements are very long and filled with legal jargon, and if you don’t agree you can’t proceed with the installation or update. It’s easier to just click “agree” and go on.

That tactic works for most of us when it comes to licensing agreements, but it’s all too easy for us to do the same thing with our Bibles. The Bible is, after all….long. It’s also filled with religious jargon and can be hard to understand in places. It’s very easy for us to simply say, “I agree” and never actually open and read our Bibles.

When we take the time to do so, however, we gain a greater appreciation for the work of God in our lives and why humankind needed a Christ to bring us salvation. We’ll find everything in the Bible from adventure stories to love stories to action stories to comedies to tragedies. We’ll also find that the Bible is filled with the stories of ordinary and flawed people – just like us – who found new strength, new hope and new direction in their faith.

Let 2012 be the year that you don’t just simply glance at the Bible on your bookshelf or table, say “I agree,” dust it with the rest of your stuff and keep on going. Try regularly reading and studying the Bible. You’ll find new encouragement, new inspiration, new spiritual inspiration, and a new appreciation for the words of one Biblical writer – “Your word is a light before my feet and a lamp upon my journey.”

If this was a blessing to you — please share it!

Original image courtesy of Flickr user imjoshdotcom with some modifications