I’m convinced there’s a YouTube video for absolutely anything and everything you want to know. Who needs a how-to book when you can just watch somebody show you how?

My wife had a 2005 Ford Escape. Quite frequently while we were just lounging around the house, her car would get bored and set off its own alarm. We rarely set the car alarm, but it didn’t matter. The Escape would set off its own alarm system as if to say, “I’M OUT HERE! I’M BORED! LET’S GO SOMEWHERE!” (We often responded by taking it for ice cream, because … well, it’s ice cream.)

Our friend Google told us this was a common problem with certain years of Ford Escapes. More specifically, it was a problem with the rear passenger door. The sensors on the door would randomly pretend the door was open and SOUND THE ALARM AND WAKE THE NEIGHBORS.

But how do you fix it? YouTube did not disappoint. In fact, I didn’t find one video; I found multiple videos for fixing the “door ajar” issue on a 2005 Ford Escape. The first thing that popped in my mind was, “Why did someone think to record this?” These are not professional videos; just some random guy. Talking slowly. I picture Bubba hollering at his wife: “Hey, Martha, grab your phone and come record me changin’ the sensor on the rear passenger door of a 2005 Ford Escape! It’ll be huge on YouTube!”

Now I’ve done my share of fixes—even unusual fixes—but I’ve never been compelled to record it. A few months ago, my son and I used Whataburger Spicy Ketchup to help us fix a kitchen drawer that faced regular temptation to open on its own. However, I felt no compulsion to share this with the World Wide Web. Sorry, YouTubers.

[Speaking of YouTube, permit me to offer a shameless plug. I now have a YouTube channel—A Quick Word—which is a collection of blog posts like this one offered in a video format.]

So, yes, I’m convinced YouTube is now your one-stop shop for learning anything and everything. However, if I have shoulder surgery, I want to see a bona fide diploma on the orthopedist’s wall, and not a participation award because the surgeon watched a lot of YouTube videos about rotator cuffs.

More than YouTube, the Bible—God’s Word—is the one how-to source we need. The Bible doesn’t tell us everything, but it tells us everything we truly need to know. It won’t help you with a Ford Escape, but it will help you escape temptation … cope with grief … deal with difficult people … face challenges with confidence.

If Jesus appeared to you and gave you the opportunity to ask Him a question, what would you want to know? I’m convinced that, no matter what question you asked, Jesus would answer you by quoting Scripture. God has already told us through His Word everything we need to know to live a full and abundant life in Him. Everything.

“The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb” (Ps. 19:7-10).

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

For those unanswered questions, we are to trust Him. In all Job’s sufferings, God never directly answered Job as to why he was going through so much pain and heartache. Yet, in the end, Job trusted God and he was satisfied with that.

I am committed to God’s Word because it has all I truly need. I’m committed to reading it, studying it, meditating on it, and even memorizing it. After all, it’s God’s Word.

  • Read the Bible on your own. If you need a study Bible to aid your understanding, it’s a great investment.
  • If you’re not in a Bible study group, join one. Almost all churches offer Bible study groups, Sunday School classes, Life Groups, and/or small groups. Whatever it’s called, get in one where you can study and discuss the Bible with others.
  • Spend time reflecting on God’s Word. Daily.

It has made a difference in my life. And it will in yours too.

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This post supports the study “Committed to His Word” in Bible Studies for Life and YOU.

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