What's in the magazines under the mattress?

   You can tell a lot about a person by what he or she reads, or doesn’t read. 

   In the past, folks in our neighborhood tried to impress visitors by having a set of encyclopedias on bookshelves, visible for visitors to see. We had displayed the books, even if we didn't read them. Often our bookshelf titles gave visitors a quick snapshot of our interests and intellectual depth. 

 Everyone made sure there was a copy of Ebony Magazine visible on the coffee table and not “Sepia” the more prurient version of Ebony. We definitely didn't let them see the magazines we hid under our mattresses.

   We even put giant family bibles in our living rooms. They became places where we stored letters and documents, but we never really read the one in the living room; it was for show.

   For the most part, it all worked, at least until we opened our mouths and spoke. It didn't take long for folks to figure out that the great books on our shelves or the family Bibles in the living rooms often gave false impressions.

   What we read directs our conversation. It is said the great minds discuss ideas like freedom, justice, global warming, and world peace. Average minds discuss events such as football games, programs, pageants, and competitions. Those who don’t read much have a tendency to discuss other people: what they wear, how much they have, and who they love and don’t love.

    I’m not attracted to the last category; I love ideas. When I was 21, I decided to read the Harvard Classics which is excerpts from the 113 must-read books including Plato, Socrates, Emerson, and Thoreau.

   Like you, I read the Bible regularly for understanding and guidance. 

   You can tell Christians who read the Bible regularly. Their faith is stronger and they worry less. They are slow to sin and are sorry when they do.

    

   Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

   Like you, I read something from the Bible daily. Through his word, God speaks to us in the truths he reveals.

   It's true, God's word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.