What do you suppose would happen to a farm animal if you gradually substituted sawdust in his diet?

Such was tried by a man who was put out by the rising cost of the oats that he fed his mule. I read how that he gradually substituted sawdust in the mule’s diet. It was going well for a while, but by the time the mule’s diet was completely converted over to sawdust, the mule died.

If you and I gradually replaced our spiritual diet with the words of men, would not the same thing happen?

I have lots of books in my library. Some of them are quite good and full of helpful, spiritual advice. I have books on marriage, childrearing, creationism, leadership, faith, and many more. They’re great study tools–aids to understanding.

What if, when wanting to better understand God and His will for my life, I read my Bible less and started reading the writings of men on God’s plan for man more? While their scholarship may be excellent, and their words true, they can never compare to the greatest Author.

Only God’s words can set me free (Jn. 8:32). Only God’s words can help me fully appreciate all that God wants me to know about Himself (1 Cor. 2:10-11). Only God’s words can successfully direct me from here to heaven (Rev. 22).

What if I get to the point where I put my Bible on the shelf permanently and only read the words of men? Then, like the sawdust eating mule, all hope would be lost. Something to think about.

I hope you have a terrific day!

–Neil Richey