You sometimes hear people say that they don’t read the Bible very much but they still follow Jesus.

In saying this, they seem to suggest that the Bible is all about dusty doctrine and that following Jesus is where the real action is.

But this perspective is flawed.

Scripture is inspired by God. It is infallible, meaning “unable to fail.” Without it, we can only learn about God in very vague terms. In fact, if we try to “follow Jesus” without being guided by Scripture we will most likely end up following someone or something else!

God’s word is an on ramp to God’s way.

One of the most famous passages about this very topic is Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Do you see the logic? The word illuminates the path—a path which is intended to be walked and lived. Beliefs and actions occur together. They are in sync, like inhaling and exhaling.

Don’t let someone trick you into thinking that the Bible is detached from doing the “real work” of discipleship. Reading, studying and knowing Scripture is a part of a loving disciple’s DNA.

Read and also serve. Serve and also study. Study and also love.

God’s word is an on ramp to God’s way.

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Notes and extra content:

-Related blog: “Why trust the Bible?” Click here.

-“Can you explain the rapture, second coming, and if dead believers are limbo?” This is a question I received in a recent Q & A Forum. Click here for my answer, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.