Part 2: Lessons From the Bible

To tell you the truth, there was a time I didn't believe in the Bible for reasons I won't disclose today. I even made it known to my fellow church members at Kiserian Catholic Parish in 2006 that I didn't believe in the Holy Scriptures despite the fact that I attended church.

Those who considered me lost those days were right. But those who thought I was completely lost couldn't relate the story of Paul who was once a prosecutor of Christians and then was suddenly transformed into one of the most ardent believers of the gospel. And you know what? Paul went on to author more books in the Bible than any other believer.

So in a sense, I am more like Paul. Don't be surprised if I end up authoring many stories on God and His Word in this lovely blog of mine; I, Thuita J. Maina, who was once an unbeliever.

Yes, I nowadays believe deeply in the Bible because of the way it answers most of the mysteries of life and the issues that concern us humans. Okay, let me tell you about them.

To begin with, the Biblical account of creation is more accurate and plausible than the theory of evolution that was first propounded by Charles Darwin. That theory of evolution, for instance, doesn't explain why apes still exist; as in, why were they spared from the process of evolution? Clearly, there is something that is not adding up in that theory of evolution.

The theory of evolution also doesn't explain the origin of sins. And you know what? Sins bother humans a lot. You go out there and listen to the stories of people; then you'll discover how people are hurting from theft, divorce, rejection, disagreements and other sins. Others are consumed with hate, fear, guilt and jealousy.

Yes, people are really bothered by sins; a mystery that the theory of evolution doesn't explain.

Then the Bible goes on to shed light on issues that still concern civilized man today: health, wealth, marriage, corruption, knowledge, paying taxes and life after death, just to mention but a few. Allow me to discuss on the few issues I have listed.

First is on wealth. I am sure it is everybody's wish to be wealthy because we all need enough money to lead a decent life. The Bible says that we all have to be patient in the acquisition of wealth. Whoever is quick to get rich will not go unpunished. And the best way to acquire wealth is through hard work.

On health which is another wish of every person, the Bible extols it as the greatest gift. The inspirational Book of Sirach found only in the Catholic Bible says "better the poor in vigorous health than the rich with bodily ills".

And do you know what the Bible recommends for good health? In addition to exercise and a good diet punctuated with an occasional glass of wine, we also need to think noble, cheerful thoughts. Let me spare you the list of verses that point out those keys to good health. You read the Bible deeply and you will identify the verses for yourself.

Third is on knowledge. The Bible says knowledge is the key to success. And it adds in the Book of Psalms that a man who has riches without undeerstanding is like the beasts that perish. So in a sense, the Bible advises all youngsters out there to acquire as much knowledge as they can by pursuing education to university level.

Fourth is on paying taxes. I have chosen to discuss on this issue because I usually read in the media of people all over the world charged in court for tax evasion. Jesus Christ himself counsels us in the Book of Matthew to pay our share of taxes which is because governments play an important role in our lives. They provide security, administer justice and build the infrastructure that bind us together. Those are noble causes, aren't they?

And that brings me to the issue of corruption. The problem with most governments, especially in the developing nations, is that most funds meant for those noble causes end up in personal bank accounts of corrupt officials; the kind of corruption that the Bible condemns. That's one reason that hinders development.

Let me leave that issue of corruption and dwell on marriage, another issue the Bible addresses. It says the keys to a successful marriage are marrying the right partner (faithful, upright and God-fearing) and submitting to one another. If every child was born in a successful marriage, the sins of this world would be greatly diminished because the criminals who create hell on Earth are as a result of the hoi-polloi who bear children they are unable to nurture into responsible adults.

Lastly, let me discuss on life after death which the Bible promises us. Let's face it; we are here on Earth for seventy years or so. That's a very small number of years compared with the age of the Earth which scientists estimate to be 3.8 billions years old. For me, the Bible's promise of life after death inspires me with hope beyond measure. Adieu!

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RECOMMENDATION: If you've enjoyed this part 2 of lessons from the Bible, you might also enjoy part 1 of the series. Just click here to jump straight into the story.