How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalms 119:9-16 (NIV)
The most wonderful things a believer can do for themselves is to fall in love with the Word of God and to obey its precepts. God has sweetly given us Scripture as the greatest gift to guide us through this dusty earth on our treks to our heavenly home. It is to be our Source - our Guide – our Rulebook - for all of life. Not only that, its consolations strengthens our walks, encourages our souls and brings much comfort to our hearts. To disregard this precious Book of Truth is to bring harm to ourselves as well as to our spheres of influence. It is God breathed and profitable for all of life. Every life. No exceptions. And we do ourselves great harm by disregarding it.
Further, it is not those who merely listen to the Word and immediately forget what they heard who profit, rather it is those who are obedient to what they hear who are richly rewarded and remain under a great obligation to be obedient to its precepts. To be sure, the best of believers have failures in obedience – running to the foot of the cross for forgiveness. No one is without sin. This is why everyone needs a Savior and we have One in Jesus. Yet, we are all called to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel – seeking with all sincerity of heart to obey God’s precepts but also enjoying His gracious pardon when we fall. God desires for us to bemoan sin not embrace it or wink at it. Each sin cost Him the death of His Son. Never take sin lightly. God certainly does not.
We would all do well to endeavor to know God’s Word and seek obedience to it with all sincerity and uprightness of heart. This is for our own good and for the good of all those who share life with us. Moreover, when we know and live out Scripture, we become a force to be reckoned with for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. As we battle the enemy, the Word of God is our defense – it is our Sword to fight the good fight of faith. And it is profitable beyond measure.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.** 2 Timothy 2:14-16 (NIV)**