Do You Agree With God’s Word?

   What do you think: is it time believers get crystal clear about whether they believe the Word of God? Why the question? Because many say they believe the Bible and the proceeding Word, but their confession doesn’t seem to match. What they do and say often contradict His Word. This more than the occasional hypocritical moment. Why do you suppose that is?

   One answer may be that their hearts are not totally converted. They haven’t made the commitment of no turning back, regardless of what they experience in life. They haven’t grown deep roots in the faith. In some cases, they’re dabbling. It’s more of a walk of convenience. When it comes down to it, they’re not totally sure about the Word. Another reason coincides with the previous, they are too wrapped up in the world to really care all that much. The Parable of the Sower really lays this out (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15).

   Okay, these are obvious. What about those who have committed their lives to Jesus, and do believe the Word of God? This pertains to those who regularly read their Bible and pray. They are sincere. There may be something much more subtle going on here. In fact, they may not be conscious of an apparent conflict of interests.

Mixed Messages

   There’s 90s song that asks a question: “Whose report will you believe?” It also gives an answer: “We will believe the report of the Lord!” Sound familiar? It’s a great question. This is where getting crystal clear is important. If you are hearing mixed messages, which message has more meaning to you? There are a lot of “wise” things said, but do they line up with Scripture? The wisdom of the world can sound enticing, until you compare it to God’s.

   The irony is that God’s wisdom may sometimes sound backwards. A reason for this is it contradicts what some have believed their entire life. They tend to hang on to what they know, even if it’s wrong. There’s an element of certainty they feel from the familiar, and we all crave certainty.

    Remember, comfort does not equal truth. In fact, some avoid truth, because it challenges them to make changes they don’t want to make -even for the better. If you believe in the Lord, believe Him and believe His Word.

   This leads to another question: to whom or what are you listening, especially when things get tough? When things get crazy in the world, and we have seen a lot of crazy, some turn to the Word of God for comfort and direction. Conversely, some forget the Word and focus on the crazy. Not much comfort or wisdom there. They assume the worst, and completely forget God is still on the throne. It’s as if they believe darkness is greater than Light. There are numerous examples that could be given here, but we’ll have to forgo them for now.

   If you want to keep your sanity, consult God, and focus on His Word.

How We Listen is a Big Deal

   Luke 8:18 So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.

   Jesus spoke these words in conjunction with The Parable of the Sower. Not only to what we listen affects our life, but the way in which we listen is a big factor. There are many things that could be said here, but let’s zero in on one. It is important to listen with a believing heart. A believing heart is intentional. It is one thing that will help you endure hardship. It also influences what you say.

   Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

   What one believes to be true will more often than not be what comes out of his or her mouth. There are some exceptions to this, such as capitulating to peer pressure.

Beware of Subtleties

   It’s usually not the big overt things to get people off track; it’s the little things that add up over time. It could be something as simple as missing a word when reading or quoting Scripture. One word can change everything. This relates to a previous point, be careful about how you listen. If you’re not paying attention to what you’re reading or listening, you may find yourself believing, or receiving the wrong things.

   When it comes to the Word of God it is important to be Berean. For those not familiar with this term, we find this concept in the book of Acts. The idea is to search the scriptures to see if a premise is true (read Acts 17:10-11). It is so important to compare what we believe and hear with the Bible, while asking God for wisdom and understanding.

Do Your Words Agree or Contradict His Word?

   Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

   Many quote this passage of Scripture when it comes to the words people speak, and yet, how many say things that aren’t exactly life-giving? As an exercise, pay attention to the things you say, and compare them with the Word. Do they line up? God’s Word is always life-giving and life-changing.  

   John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

   John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth.

   1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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