How many have misread a label? How many have failed even to read the label on a product? There is a story of a lady who put super glue in her eyes thinking it was eye drops. Fortunately, she quickly received proper medical treatment and her eyes were saved. She attributed the mishap to “not reading the label.”
Smart shoppers will always read labels and know how to get the most for their purchases. In making legal transactions, we should always read the contracts. When administering medicine to self or children, of course, we should read the labels, so as not to overdose or mix with another medicine that might be in the precaution lists.
Spiritually, let us notice some results of “reading” the Bible:
When Paul was on his second missionary journey from Antioch, he preached in a synagogue of the Jews at Berea. The Bereans were a receptive audience. Notice the commendation they receive by Luke: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, emphasis W.R.). Their nobility was because of their paying attention to the detail and studying the Scriptures. This led many to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just as with medicines, food labels, and contacts, spiritually, the apostle Paul explains how simple and important it is to “read the label: “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). At closer look at the context around verse 4, we will notice that God revealed something that had previously been a mystery (hidden) in other ages. Now God, through Paul, was making known this mystery to all mankind. We have it written for us with the expectation that we would understand it and attain the proper knowledge from it.
Simply put, by reading the Bible, one may come to know everything, which God has revealed and confirmed (2 Peter 1:3, 21-22). We should become accustomed to using the phrase, “What saith the scripture” (Galatians 4:30). We can “read the label” and know exactly what God expects of us. As we read every fact, command, and promise of God, our faith is built and has a sure foundation (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:19).
Christianity is a taught religion. We must have knowledge of the truth, if it is to be obeyed (1 Peter 1:22). Let us resolve to learn the Word of God and live by its teachings. Read the label.
