Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)
Graciously, the Lord Jesus states in John 8:31-32 (NIV): To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Some good questions for us to ponder would be: Do we hold to our Lord’s teachings? Do we store His Word in our hearts to keep our ways pure? Do we apply it to our lives, seeking through His power to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord? Do we even know it, being familiar enough with it to draw treasure from its deep well? We live in a country where most people have at least one Bible in a home and many have plenty more, yet as a society, we remain woefully ignorant of God’s Word. It is good to be reminded that “to much has been given, much is expected”. We are all held accountable in God’s eyes for everything He places in our hands – particularly His Word.
God’s Word is His revealed will to us. It is a spring of living water and a deep mine of priceless treasures. It contains precepts to follow and promises to claim keeping us from sinking when the billows of life’s circumstances roll over our souls, hitting us hard. As believers, it is not only our duty, but our sustenance and pleasure to search, know and apply God’s Truth. We are the losers when we don’t. He has given every believer in Jesus the deposit of the Holy Spirit to quicken us, equip us and enable us to take these Truths and apply them to our lives. God’s Word is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow judging the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. May we never neglect this treasure.
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)