Worn Out Sneakers

Did you ever really look at people’s sneakers?
They are as unique as the people that wear them.

They are functional, yet often symbols of status, especially if there is a preferred logo on the side.
Some have neon colors so that you are seen as you run on the road.
Some have strange soles that don’t look like your traditional sneaker at all, yet promise to be the new high tech, shock absorbing marvel.

There are so many choices today: running shoes, walking shoes, cross training shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, track shoes.
Gone are the days of the black high tops and white sneakers that were the mainstay for so long.

Did you ever really look at people’s sneakers?
If they are not worn as just a fashion statement, they are usually pretty beat up.
They are scuffed, and dirty, and the heels may be wearing down on one side or the other.

Worn sneakers are actually a good thing.
It means that they are getting used the way they should.
They are not just sitting in a closet.
If sneakers stay looking new for too long, it begs the question…do they even get used at all?

Did you ever look at people’s Bibles?
Did you ever look at your own?

You can always tell a new Bible because it is crisp and the edges are neat.
It may have a leather cover that doesn’t have any crinkles in it yet.
The ribbon marker is not frayed and it lays nicely in the center.
The pages are clean with no markings.

But a Bible should not look new for very long.
If it is opened and read, it will have curled edges.
It may have verses underlined and highlighted.
It may have handwritten notes in the margins with dates and prayer requests.
It may have blurred ink where tears fell on the pages.
It may have a frayed ribbon…if there is a ribbon at all.
It will probably have a crinkled cover, or one that is held together with duck tape.

It will be loved.
It will not just sit on a shelf.
It will be held, and carried, and dropped, and left in a pew.
It may have a ripped page that has been unevenly taped back together.
It will have sand in the binding from when it was read at the beach.
It may look old…but it will be perfect.

A worn out Bible is a testimony to your spiritual growth.
The word has been hidden in your heart. (Psalm 119:11)
The word will dwell in you richly. (Colossians 3:16)
The word is near you. (Romans 10:8)
The word is living and enduring. (1 Peter 1:23)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1,2)

It is a good thing when our Bibles are worn out.
It means we are spending time with Him.
The Word made flesh.
Jesus.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” (Charles Spurgeon)