The wise man Solomon wrote a great truth in Ecclesiastes 12:12 as follows: “And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (NKJV). I don’t know how many books are published around the world each year but it must be phenomenal – covering almost any subject you can imagine. Personally, I set a goal of reading 35 books this year and it appears I’ll reach that goal this week. And I know some of you have read even more.
I’ve learned a lot from these books but I’m not sure any of them will help me get to heaven. We all need a lot of help to reach that eternal home with our Savior. The prophet warns us in Isaiah 10:23 – “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (NKJV). The psalmist knew whom or what to follow when he wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105; NKJV).
While secular books may entertain us, challenge us, and educate us, only God’s word can direct our steps to the eternal home He has prepared for His saints. Jesus fervently prayed to His Father on the night of His betrayal for all of His disciples. While there are so many wonderful things in His beautiful prayer, notice John17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (NKJV). It is God’s word – truth – that sets God’s people apart – that is able to make us holy – to make us saints. Jesus drove this point home in John 8:32 with these words: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (NKJV). I encourage everyone to read wholesome literature but not to the neglect of the truth!