IS THE BIBLE RELEVANT TODAY?

'For the first time in  my life, I found happiness.'

HILTON loved boxing, at the age of seven, he was getting into fights-both in and out of the ring!  When in high school, he would roam about with friends, looking for someone to beat up.  "I stole, gambled, watched pornography, harassed women, and  swore at my parents," he says.  "My behavior was such that my parents considered my beyond reform.  After I finished high school, I left home."

When Hilton returned 12 years later, his parents could hardly believe this was their son! He was calm, controlled, and respectful.  What led to this astonishing transformation?  While he was away, he began to reflect seriously  on where his life was headed.  He also examined the Bible to see if it could help him change his ways.  "I applied what I read in the Bible," said Hilton,  "which meant getting rid of my old personality and obeying the command of Ephesians 6:2, 3 to honor my parents. For the first time in my life, I found happiness, and I brought joy to my father and mother, not more headache!"

Hilton's story underscores both the relevance and the transforming power of the Bible values.  (Hebrews 4:12) Let us consider some of those values-namely, honesty, self-control, fidelity, and love-and how they can greatly enrich our lives.  

Next time: TAILOR-MADE AND TIMELESS VALUES/HONESTY

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015