One of the challenges we face as followers of Jesus in the 21st century is so many folks, even within the church, don't consider the Bible as the only guide for faith and daily living.  We live in an era when new self-help books that cover every area of life are coming out seemingly daily, and yet as a culture we are not moving toward health and wholeness.  The Apostle Paul reminded his "son in the faith" Timothy that the Bible IS the faithful guide for our lives.  Here's what He wrote:  ¹⁶All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  ¹⁷God uses it to prepare and equip his people do do every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT.

Notice that the first use of God's word is to teach us what is true.  Truth has become a relative matter for most of us these days.  What's "right" for one may not be "right" for another.  The Bible teaches that truth is fixed rather than relative.  When the "light" of truth "shines" into our lives, we see what's wrong and by the power of the Holy Spirit start to change.  The Bible both teaches and corrects, which is great because then we can grow from both our positive actions AND our mistakes and sins.  Note, too, that the truth of the Bible wasn't given just so we could KNOW what's true, but so we may DO every good work.   At the end of the day, the Bible's truth was given to show us who God is and to equip us to DO what is right.  When we use that guide in our lives each day, we find that we grow closer and closer not only to knowing God's  will, but to KNOWING God and DOING His will.  That means we enjoy His grace more and more, and extend His glory farther and farther among our sphere of influence.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your written word which does show us what is right and correct us when we're wrong.  Forgive us when we fail to obey it.  Glorify Yourself in our lives today.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.