Two Bibles lay on the table, one beside the other,

Pages frayed, binding loose, worn on the covers.

At a casual glance, their appearance seemed to be the same;

But for their tattered conditions, to what lay the blame?

Found between their covers is God’s own inspired word,

The truth that leads to life, the message to be adored.

But we find two different stories as to their rough condition.

One owner sought Godly service, the other lost to perdition.

The first Bible belonged to one who loved to read the story

The pages turned at home as the owner sought eternal glory.

To worship service and Bible class this book was always borne,

The owner followed closely along, the book becoming worn.

But with the second Bible, we find a sad account indeed

For when it came to serving God, the owner forgot the need.

Mistreated and neglected, left uncared for and unused,

This second book is now tattered because it was abused.

But if on that same table your Bible became the third,

In response to its condition, what story would be heard?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        --rc