I have always considered an old Bible to be interesting. An old Bible can speak of experience, and diligence. The worn edges tell stories of battle preparation. The wrinkled pages manifest quenched thirst, and satisfied hunger. A worn Bible represents a daily necessity, of which her owner knew well.

Yet, even further, an old Bible is symbolic. For often times, an old Bible is held by similar hands. Once soft, and smooth hands clutching a newly purchased Bible are now rough, and labor worn hands securing an old Bible. However, that Bible, faded and falling apart, has its contents unchanged, possessing the glory from its almighty Author. And so, that Bible, thoroughly and consistently used, has an owner, who after years of sacrificial living is tired and battle weary. Yet, inwardly the Bible reader and doer is stronger, and more beautiful than ever before. Thus, like an old Bible, an old diligent Christian is outwardly nearing their end, but inwardly is filled with wisdom, knowledge, growth, and hope of glory.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)