HEAR the Word Wednesday – June 18, 2008
I am going to go ahead and make the assumption that most people have, at one point or another, had difficulty committing to reading their Bible on a regular basis. For some it just seems like one more homework assignment, for others they may think they have a pretty good idea of what all is in the Bible and don’ need to read it, and still others may just struggle to find the time in their day to read the Bible. There are a plethora of reasons behind why we choose not to spend time in the Word.
I think the reason behind why so many struggle in this area of their walk with God is not necessarily because they lack the drive to read their Bible. On the contrary, I have a sneaking suspicion that most of us just haven’t fully grasped what it means to spend time in God’s Word, the purpose behind why we are called to do so, and the benefits that come from taking the Word of God to heart.
Proverbs chapter four consists of a Father’s wise instructions for His children and in verses 20-22 it says:
My child, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to your whole body.
God is not trying to give us something to be guilty about when He asks us to know His Word. Rather, the Bible and all it’s lessons are there to bring us life. For when we pay close attention to the words of our Father, listening intently and not letting those lessons escape from our sight and when we keep His message within our heart, God’s words will transform us and bring a newness to our lives beyond anything we could do on our own.
The fact of the matter is that we should never read our Bible out of obligation or so we can be the “smartest” Christian around. Instead we should all rejoice in the gift of God’s Word as it is written for us so that we may be given life.
So, go, read, and LIVE.
Blessings,
Dirt
