Isn't It Ironic?

As hard as it may be to believe, news sources say the Bible is consistently atop the list of “the most stolen books.” It seems that each year, especially around Christmas, Bibles are stolen from bookstores more than any other book. Ironic, isn’t it? After all, it’s the Bible that says, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Why would a person steal a book that is to be read for spiritual growth and development? I mean, what would a person willing to steal want with the Bible, a book that condemns stealing?

Certainly, we can all see the irony in the fact that of all books, the Bible is the most stolen one. But before we shake our heads at such irony, maybe we ought to consider other matters that are just as ironic. While the thought of stealing a Bible might never enter our minds, there may be other things we do that are just as ironic.

For instance, consider the irony of one would never miss a church service, but who holds a grudge against a fellow Christian. Isn’t that just as ironic? After all, what good does going to church do for a person who is unwilling to get over a grudge (Matthew 6:22-24)? I would answer that question by saying, “about the same good a stolen Bible does a thief.”

Consider also the irony of a husband who does not cherish his wife, and who treats her unkindly, yet he wouldn’t think of pillowing his head without saying his prayers. Tell me, what good do you think his prayers will do him (1 Peter 3:7)? Does that not contain the same degree of irony as one who would steal a Bible?

And the list could go on and on. Friends, I hope you can see the point that I’m trying to make. While we would never dream of stealing, of all things, a Bible, we might be guilty of doing other things, that from God’s perspective, may be just as foolish and filled with irony. I know it’s easier to see the mistakes made by the other person, but maybe that’s all the more reason we need to examine our own lives with greater regularity and diligence. Give it some thought.

Steve Higginbotham

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