In the final article of a three-part series, Major Mal Davies talks about the world’s bestselling book—the Bible—and how it is still relevant, and needed, today.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a young man called Laertes is about to travel away from Denmark and he bids farewell to his sister, Ophelia, and his father, Polonius. As a wise and loving father, Polonius offers his son some advice.

He tells Laertes to be friendly to others but avoid being vulgar; to be wary of entering into arguments; to listen and speak with wisdom and discernment; and to watch his spending habits. He concludes by saying, “This above all: to thine own self be true.” It’s a fitting final word about being guided by his own conscience and moral code.

Shakespeare wrote Hamlet in about 1600, and the advice Polonius gives Laertes is still good advice today, more than 400 years later. I’d give my son the same advice if he was going on a long trip today. Good advice is timeless. 

There are many reasons I read the Bible, primarily to know God better and to observe how Jesus lived, but I find myself also constantly turning to it for advice on how to live. MAJOR MAL DAVIES

Still Relevant?

Some people challenge the Bible by asking if it’s still relevant and applicable to life in the 21st century. After all, parts of it were written many thousands of years ago, and even the most recent parts were written nearly 2,000 years ago.

However, I’d suggest that the advice, lessons and teaching it offers are still highly relevant and well worth reading, reflecting on and putting into practice.

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus spoke about our duty of care to those in need. If someone is experiencing a crisis, we’re not to run them through a questionnaire on their life choices and lifestyle first! We’re expected to help them.

Jesus also said not to put too high a priority on accumulating money or possessions, but to consider these things in correct priority order with loving God and others. As He said of one man and his wealth, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20).

Greatest Teachings

Some of Jesus’ greatest teaching was in relation to showing humility and about serving others. It was common for rabbis in the Jewish faith to have disciples who would revere and respect their teachers greatly. Jesus’ disciples (followers) considered Him their rabbi and they loved and admired Him. Imagine their shock when, once, He washed their feet after travelling and advised them to offer similar humble service to others.

In our modern era, where mental-health issues are experienced by so many people, Jesus advised us to love others but also, importantly, to love ourselves. It’s the sort of word so many young people especially need to hear these days—you’re worthy, you’re valued, you’re seen, you’re important—love yourself!

Perhaps one of Jesus’ most important teachings was to treat others as you would like to be treated. Do you want people to be kind to you? Be kind to them. Do you want people to show you grace? Show grace to others. Do you want people to forgive you when you mess up? Forgive others. Do you want people to respect you? Respect others.

As I said earlier: good advice is timeless. And this is the enduring attraction of history’s bestselling book, the Bible—it’s loaded with good, relevant, current, applicable, wise advice.

There are many reasons I read the Bible, primarily to know God better and to observe how Jesus lived, but I find myself also constantly turning to it for advice on how to live. Its advice was true and helpful for my grandfather, for my father, for me, for my son and for future generations.

Good advice is timeless.

Reprinted from Salvos Magazine (Australia), May 18, 2024 (salvosonline.org.au/salvos-magazine)

Photo: MIA Studio/stock.Adobe.com