The Word…

If developing a Classic State of Mind is about anything,
It’s about paying attention to the ‘big pieces’ in life. It’s about being aware of the foundations “life” rests upon.
Developing a Classic State of Mind focuses attention on those foundational elements.

For me, my first foundation is The Book.
There are lots of books, of course, But only one Book whose Author is God, Himself.

When God decided to write His Book, He didn’t begin like a lot of mere men-authors do.
He didn’t begin with “Once upon a time,” not only because that’s a boring way to begin,
But because, well, …when God wrote The Book, ‘time’ hadn’t happened yet, so there was no time to be ‘once upon-ed.’

Instead, He just said, “In the beginning, God ….”
The Book, from the very beginning, then, was The Book of God.
The Book about who He is.
The Book about what He’s done, and will do.
An eternal recording of the things men did. The story, and drama, and disobedience of man toward The God Who Wrote The Book.

The Book is a holy narrative of the declarations of God toward men.
Holy things. (Why else would we call it The Holy Book?)
And eternal things, besides. Things that will never go away.
“Heaven and earth may pass away,” says The God of The Book. “But my word
will abide forever.”

Words are important, for a certainty. One of my dear friends has said very beautifully, “Words are placeholders for ideas.” Words describe and ascribe and prescribe. Words depict, and predict, and yes, afflict. Words mean something. Words are placeholders for ideas.

But, important as they are, words are limited. The words I use to describe a ‘sunset,’ may, if I carefully craft them, describe the majestic beauty I see as I watch the day end in splendor. But my words about the sunset will never be a sunset. My words are mere placeholders for the idea of a sunset.

However, the words in The Book are not mere. They are not merely placeholders about life. They are the very power and plan and purpose and pursuit of God Himself. “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path,” says the psalmist.

The Book, then, is a ‘life-line,’ a path, a way out of trouble or darkness or dilemma.There is no better way to live than The Way. And there is no word that is better to know, and read, and embrace … than The Book.