Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman and lawyer once remarked: “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Revelation 20:11-15 reminds us: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Thursday 6th March 2025 celebrated World Book Day, and is considered one of the highlights of the year at the National Literacy Trust. A Book is defined as a collection of written or printed pages that may also contain illustrations. There are several classifications of books that fall into two principle categories, those of fiction and non-fiction. They are generally considered beneficial to all with reading abilities as they can provide additional knowledge, information or fictional stories that can enthrall. They attempt to encourage understanding and guidance, which may suggest solutions to complex situations. One of the most published and purchased books ever, has to be the Bible.
The Bible is an anthology of 66 separate books that contain religious texts and scriptures held by many doctrines as sacred. These are divided into two principle categories, namely the Old and New Testaments. Just as fiction and non-fiction differ in factual properties, so the Old and New Testaments could be considered to deviate from each other over a specific timespan, but still relate a former connection to the present and beyond. Both are regarded as a blessing from God. Hebrews 4:12-16 reminds us: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Books may be considered a "wonder" in their structured format because they have the scope and ability to transport readers to new and perhaps unexplored places, whether that be in fiction or reality. A sense of adventure may be encompassed which introduces one to diverse principles, and sparks imagination combined with critical thinking, essentially creating a sense of awe and amazement through the power of narration and knowledge. It may encourage a valuable source of wonder and exploration in the mind of the reader. Books can also be considered a form of beauty, not just in the quality of appearance, although some are exquisitely bound, but particularly when appreciating the artistry in the writing ability, the power of the story, the depth of individual characters, and the way language is used to evoke emotions and imagery, making the overall experience aesthetically pleasing. However, it should be remembered that this perception of beauty is purely subjective, and depends on both the individual reader and the contents of the book itself.
Words have infinite power and meaning, The reflective words of God in the Bible are of even greater importance and significance. They can shape individual perceptions, influence actions and explain complexities. They can comfort, correct, guide, or suggest alternatives that aid a deeper understanding or meaning in life.
Proverbs 18:1-21 reminds us: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
The Book of Life is reputed to be a permanent record of those considered righteous enough by God to receive everlasting life and earn a place in heaven. Its pages are always open and record the daily deeds of mankind. It is considered to include the names of those who have trusted Christ as their savior and followed Him as Lord. Grenville Kleiser, a Canadian-born author once remarked: “Your life is like a book. The title page is your name, the preface your introductions to the world. The pages are a daily record of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, and achievements. Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed in your book of life. Hour by hour, the record is being made that must stand for all time. Once the word 'finish' must be written, let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well-done.”
For many, books can be considered precious with great personal value. Whether it be reading the Bible on a daily basis as a source of comfort or inspiration, perhaps to seek knowledge, understanding or guidance or just to reflect on the wonderful stories it contains, its worth may be regarded as more valuable than the most beautiful of jewelry.
Books can create an element of freedom in life. They detract from the daily pressures and allow one to drift into a sublime world of tranquility or adventure. This expedites suggestions that create ideas to aid growth, obtain knowledge and improve vocabulary command. Freedom is considered an attractive aspect of life for most. If one is prepared to forego personal pleasures and luxuries to become effectively “all things to all people,” then the chances of acceptance by others improves dramatically. It suggests a willing adaptation to conform to the general wishes and routines of many and indicates a lack of restriction in conformity. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 reminds us: “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
Amen.
