5 stages

Another little project I have been invited to write is part of the Scripture Union's Light for my Path series. Different writers are asked to write about how the Bible has been significant in their lives with the hope that 'they will enjoy taking part and sharing a bit of your own Bible journey as a blessing to others'. So many possibilities open up about how I might approach this, but I wondered about the different stages along this journey. I think there are going to be five but I am not sure until I've finished..

The Bible has always been in my life. I guess that’s true for all of us fortunate to be nurtured within Christian families. Born into a Baptist minister’s family I reflect back and trace a journey with the Bible that began in my earliest memories. Unsurprisingly, the first stage was bedtime stories with an illustrated Children’s Bible. I still remember some of its pictures alongside great stories.  There were obvious scenes like the animals going into Noah's ark, but I remember best the impact early on when I saw a picture of Jesus with little children.  I could see he was kind and he loved me.  One of my earliest treasures I still possess is my Child's First Prayer Book . Jesus of the gospels was so real to me that I knew I could pour my heart out to him. On one page, with appalling spelling, I asked him to 'help me not dream' because of my dread of nightmares.    

The second stage, as I grew older, was attending Sunday School.  I admit at times it felt a duty and being the minister's son I was expected to set a good example (which I often didn't!). But there's no doubt the classes developed my Bible knowledge . I recall being rewarded with Bible stickers when I repeated memory verses.  Teaching literature was colourful and Summer holiday clubs were a special treat. ( What a vital resource Scripture Union provides at this level). Later, I am not sure at what age I was expected to sit the annual Scripture Examination.  A nationally organized exam, we had to answer questions in an exam setting. Prizes were awarded (I still have my children’s Pilgrim’s Progress).  I also remember rather unedifying competition between different Sunday Schools in our city!  Yet, without a doubt this annual ordeal helped me know the Scriptures in more depth. I had definitely developed knowledge but there was no personal connection yet with the Lord as Saviour.  As is often said, you really need to meet the author!  That didn't happen until the third stage but I look back on my childhood and early youth as critically important years of being grounded in God's word. I am so grateful for all the teachers and materials that influenced my journey.