Yesterday I was driving with three kids on our way to visit grandparents and they were not fond of the music I was playing, so I switched to a VBS song compilation from 10-15 years ago, long before they were born. I’m pretty familiar with the tunes, as I’ve played them before, but then two kids were arguing about who got to sing along with them, because apparently, they both couldn’t sing at the same time, even after I suggested it. One song came on about the power of God’s Word and how it can change our lives.. Even though it was a kid’s song, it was true and a strong reminder to me to get back in the word when I make excuses and fall out of the habit. Honestly, each time I spend even a little time in the Word, it helps my attitude and serves as a reminder of why I am a Child of God. Does God still speak to you through His Word?
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
For some, the Bible is just a rule book of what to do and what not to do, and to a degree that is true. But when you get to the heart of the matter, or why you do what you do, not just what you do, then it becomes more clear. We all follow rules, whether those are laws of the land we abide in, or school rules, or rules and ethics we pick up and abide by as we go through life, etc. Even anarchists have rules they follow, like driving on the right side of the road if they don’t want to die, or ‘don’t follow the rules’, which seems like an oxymoron. Regardless of where those come from, the guidelines we choose to live by shape and form us into who we become, and indirectly how others around us live as well. Those things also speak to our character, our beliefs, and our hearts, because our actions and our lives are usually evidence of those rules we keep or don’t keep. If we took a close look at each of our lives, what rules we follow and which we break, what would that say about you and about your true beliefs?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
So, if you have been a Christian for a while, you may say, ‘I’ve heard it all and know what to expect at church or with anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ.’ But is God still working on you? Are you still transformed and conformed closer to the character of Christ by spending time in His Word and with other believers? The answer should be ‘yes’, and if it isn’t, then we are likely doing something wrong, like following after the wrong things and letting sin and idolatry take hold in our lives. We need someone and something to hold us accountable, and that something is the Word. When we regularly spend time in it, our lives do change, for the better, woah-oh-oh!
Yours in Christ,
Clark
