Too Many Books On The Bookshelf

“I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the good news about the Messiah.” - Galatians 1:6

Yesterday, my wife and I went into McKay’s Bookstore so I could find some books at a great price (highly recommend McKay’s Bookstore!). As we were walking in, we walked to the back to the “Religion” section. Just to be honest, going in that section sometimes makes me sick. As I approached the section, I prayed for the Lord to show me a book or books that He would have me read now and in the future. I ended up picking seven books to read, but as I was scanning each book and each shelf, I couldn’t help but think of the thousands and thousands of religions there are in this world. 

Think about going to your favorite bookstore, walking in there with no set book in mind, and approaching each bookshelf with a clean, open mind. I mean, there are so many books! Which one do you choose? And when you truly find one you want to read, you remember someone in your church telling you something bad about that author, so you put that book down and decide to look some more. If you’re like me, choosing books is a long, hard, stressful process, because I always want to pick a good, Biblical based book…and I always look at the author and see what his reputation, how healthy their church is, background checks, etc. Just kidding about the background checks.

But, in all seriousness, isn’t that just like the religions we have in this world today? People are searching for something real, but they can’t find authenticity anywhere anymore, so they go to the “easiest” religion they can find. I have known people who have gone from believing in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and going to Buddhist. I have seen Senior Pastors make wrong choices in their walk which lead them to starting a church 1,000+ miles away from where they are from with completely different beliefs than from their past life. 

Why is it that we, as Christians, cannot show people that God is who He says He is? If we truly believe that Jesus was the True Son of God who gave His life as a ransom for sinners and to give us a hope and a future, don’t you think that we would want to live out what we believe? But, no…there are too many religions in this world that offer an “easier” life or a “better” way. 

Here is what we can trust: God is who He says He is. His Word is true. Jesus died for your sins. And you can experience this authentic love that Jesus speaks of. Yes, Jesus does not promise His people an “easier” life or more money when you follow Him, but He does promise eternal life and a future (Jeremiah 29:11-13). 

Let’s no longer offer our God as just another book on the bookshelf, but as THE book and the ONLY book. He is the only Author who will speak truth and will never let you down. I truly pray that people will live their lives according to His Word, trust God as their Lord and Savior, and repent, because our world doesn’t need another religions. Our world today needs a Savior…the Savior to take away their sin. 

Are you struggling with hurt? Pain? Shame? Anger? Jealousy? Divorce? Suicidal thoughts? Addictions to drugs, alcohol, or sex? Do not fret any longer. Meet the Lord who created you and knows you. Come to Him, trust Him, and I promise you, He will never let you down!