Why I chose the Bible Over Self-Help Books

Searching for answers to life I read every self-help book I could find. Each time I would say, "That’s it!" I’d work hard at the suggested formula for success–and fail. As good as the authors and their ideas were, they lacked the power to help me achieve the desired life change. The emphasis was on me–in other words, just believe in yourself strongly enough and you will become that beautiful enlightened person you want to become. It sounded good, except it didn’t work.

When I turned to the Bible for answers, I learned a totally new approach. You are spiritually dead, it said. Helpless, hopeless, and lost. How true! I thought. But take heart, that’s why Jesus came to this earth--to die for sinners and give them a brand new start. "Christ in you is the hope of glory"--the hope of a brand-new me.

I had to agree with the Bible that I couldn’t do it on my own, and turned to Christ for his salvation. From then on, I used the Bible as my guide book. Often I was astounded at how accurately the Bible describes life, even to the disappointments and failures of it’s heroes. I read about Moses, David, Daniel and others and saw how they suffered hardships and injustices. Still, God was with them working out his good plan for their lives and for all of history. This gave me hope for my own life when trials and injustices came my way.

But soon I ran into a pitfall. I began to use the Bible as a self-help book. I’d read the instructions given and then work as hard as I could to obey them. And you know what? I’d fail. Miserably. Now I was upset with God. "Why aren’t you blessing me?" I’d say, "can’t you see I’m trying as hard as I can?"

One day it dawned on me: it doesn’t depend on my frantic self-efforts, but on Christ who is the living Word. A tree with its roots deep in the water doesn’t worry about the heat and the drought. As it continues to take in the water, it flourishes and bears fruit. Likewise, I need to drink the water of God’s Word daily. And as I do so, I receive nourishment and new energy to live the Christian life for his glory. (Jeremiah 17:7,8)

How quickly the emphasis had shifted off Christ onto myself again. Now, when I read the Bible I listen for his voice. Often a verse seems to jump out at me. Then I highlight it and write it out on a card so I can read it often throughout the day. In this way I’m feeding on it. If there’s a specific instruction, I ask Jesus to give me strength to obey it.

Best of all, Jesus is becoming more real to me as I read his Word. He is the way, the truth, and the life. This is what makes the Bible different from all other books. It’s the living word of Someone who can transform us. When we have Christ, we have the truth and we have the power to live it. He is the life as well as the truth.