IS THE BIBLE RELEVANT TODAY?

Hilton loved boxing. At his 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 at Ephesians 6:2, 3 to honor my parents.  For the first time in my life, I found genuine happiness, and  I brought joy to my father and mother, not more heartache!" 

Hilton's story underscores both the relevance and the transforming power of 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 lives. 

Next time: TAILOR-MADE AND TIMELESS VALUES/HONESTY

From the Awake! magazine, 2015