From the Inside Out

The bright red ad demanded attention, its bold lettering enticing buyers with:

40% off entire store!

But then the small print at the bottom of the ad listed three top brands that were not included in the sale. (How do businesses get away with such blatant dishonesty?)

I can only imagine the frustration of an unsuspecting shopper, combing the racks of those “forbidden” brands, trying them all on to select those that fit best, only to take them to a counter (where she must wait in line with other bargain-hunters) and finally be told, “Oh, I’m sorry. Those brands are not included in the sale.”

We have to read the fine print—of advertising, offers, and contracts.

And buyer beware:

(“Nothing in fine print is ever good news.”

–Andy Rooney, radio and TV writer)

There is one exception however where the fine print does provide very good news. That’s because the word, fine, has many more definitions than small.

Among the eleven definitions in Webster’s Dictionary, fine can mean:

1. Free from impurities, as in fine gold
2. Very sharp, as in the fine edge of a knife or a fine intellect
3. Exemplary of great skill, as in fine lace
4. Capable of superior quality and craftsmanship, as in a fine carpenter
5. Manifesting precision, as in a fine timepiece

With these definitions in mind, the finest print in the world is God’s Word, the Bible. It is:

1. Free from the impurities of lies or even a stretching of the truth (Psalm 19:7a).

2. Very sharp, able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12, NLT).

3. Exemplary of great skill—God’s skill.

He brought together more than forty men from diverse cultures and all classes of citizens – from kings to fishermen – to record His Word. God extended his work over 1500 years and three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe), three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), and nine different genres. Yet the diverse pieces fit together in one unified whole. What other book can compare?

4. Superior in quality and craftsmanship.

(“As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord is flawless.”

 –2 Samuel 22:31, NIV)

5. A masterpiece of precision. Those who doubt the accuracy of the Bible would do well to learn about the:

a) hundreds of fulfilled prophecies contained within its pages,

b) scores of archaeological discoveries which verify people, places, and events mentioned in scripture,

c) thousands of manuscripts and fragments which validate the accuracy of the Bible, and

d) scientific and medical research affirming the truth of various passages – long before that truth could be verified.

Indeed, the fine print of scripture is of rare quality, demonstrating absolute purity and perfection. That’s because the Author is himself the epitome of purity, precision, and perfection.

So read the fine print of scripture . Marvel in its superior quality compared to other books.  Get to know the faithful and trustworthy Author through his Word.  And embrace its life-changing truth.

Also be mindful that:

(“A Bible that’s falling apart

usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

― Charles H. Spurgeon)

No other fine print can offer such stability.

Art & photo credits:  www.twitter.com; http://www.thedailysheeple.com; http://www.izquotes.com; http://www.all-free-download.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2), http://www.verseoftheday.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).