Articles

The blue light from our screens. The anonymity of reading from our devices. The convenience of having our books, music, email, camera, pictures, and everything else available in the palm of our hands makes it easy to keep to ourselves and keep our privacy. This is all well and good for a lot of work, and socializing we may need to do, but what if we are missing opportunities?

When we keep our gaze fixed to a screen, we can easily miss what is going on around us. We may miss out on the chance to see something amazing that only happens once in a lifetime. We may miss the opportunity to see someone hurting that needs help. We may also miss out on the chance to witness to what we believe.

There is power in a paper Bible. Yes, we can carry multiple translations via the Bible apps, but when we glaze at our phones, instead of the Bible you can feel in person, we can easily miss the bigger picture of living out our faith.

Visible Witness

There are times you may not feel like talking with others. You may need some peace. You may need some quiet. So, the screen may be what you think you need. No one will interrupt you while you have your earphones in and reading on your device. No one will have any idea what you’re doing. The reality is, staying connected to the device means we end up blending in with everyone else.

However, if you are reading an actual paper book, especially the Bible, you are giving a glimpse into what you are thinking, how you’re living, maybe even what you believe. How? You give people the chance to see something different, something without the luring glow of videos. You give people a chance to ask questions, maybe just for themselves or maybe to you. This can be an easy chance to share your faith and open opportunities for spiritual discussions that just may lead someone to faith. All because reading a paper Bible, in public, peaked their curiosity and the Holy Spirit lead and directed conversations to happen.

Keeps Us Accountable

With all the bad press Christians receive in the news, in the community, this is a chance to be held accountable. Think about it. If you are reading the Bible, in public, then people are going to judge you based on your actions. The paper Bible not only shows others what you are doing but you also get to have your faith be made public. This is incredible and challenging at the same time.

When people see what you’re reading, you now have the privilege to show them how Jesus is living inside you. You have the chance to reveal the person of Christ through your very actions (how much you tip, how you treat those around you, the smile on your face, how in tune to your surroundings you are, etc.). Your very life, your very actions will either help draw people to
know the risen, living, forgiving, merciful Jesus Christ or they will be turned off by what they see.

How do you want Jesus to be known where you live? How do others hear and know about Jesus through the life you live? If we are constantly on our devices, even reading scripture, then we miss out on this opportunity to be part of the Great Commission.

Not Just Constant Notifications

Our phones have these constant, annoying, urgent, alluring sounds and notifications. The sole purpose is to keep us distracted and to keep our anxiety level down because we don’t want to live with any FOMO (fear of missing out). It is hard not to know everything going on all the time. We want to be in the know.

In a world that is constantly searching for peace, maybe reading and looking at something that doesn’t glow or constantly go off could lower the anxiety level and keep up more in tune with the Spirit.

Reading, or listening, to scripture on our devices is a good thing, except when we are constantly bombarded with notifications and “urgent” news or texts. Our minds, and hearts are always divided as to what we should pay attention to.

However, when we have just the paper pages of scripture in front of us, we can take notes, we can take our eyes and look around us more often and notice the wonderful world God has created for us. This gives us the chance not to be blasted with dings, beeps, and flashing screens; instead, we get to stay focused and, possibly, be more in tune with the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

These are just some thoughts as to the power of a paper Bible. What do you think?

Ryan Stratton is a pastor at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Texas. For over twenty years, Ryan has been teaching children, teenagers, and adults. While he was a teenager, he practiced TaeKwonDo and continued practicing and teaching the art form for fifteen years. After receiving a call to Christian ministry and leadership, Ryan is now in full time vocational ministry beginning with youth ministry then becoming a pastor. Ryan’s priority in life is to help people see and experience life beyond themselves and the purpose God has for them. He has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and earned his Masters of Divinity degree through Asbury Theological Seminary.

The most important relationships for Ryan are with his wife and his children. When not leading the church, studying the Scripture, speaking, writing (www.revryanstratton.com), or participating in community missions and outreach, Ryan is found spending time with his wife and four children.

He is the author of Crossroads: Seeking God to discern next steps, a forty day devotional available where books are sold.

Website: www.revryanstratton.com