How do You Treat the Word of God?
Whose opinion do you value the most, God’s and man’s? Stop, and think about it before answering the question. It would be easy to say, “I value God’s opinion above man’s,” especially when you’re amongst other believers. However, it might be worth getting alone with your thoughts, and muse on it for a while. Think about who has the most influence in your life. How much does peer pressure affect you?
For example, do you seek to conform to the Word of God in the way God intended, or do you seek to conform the Word of God to the opinion of man in order to fit the culture? How many try to twist Scripture in order to make it agree with their lifestyle. How many mishandle it, so can they compromise without feeling guilty. “It’s okay, we’re under grace,” for instance. It is important to stay open to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and correction. It’s better than having a guilty conscience, or worse, a seared one.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
Accountability
Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
While it is true we are under grace, and have been saved from the wrath to come, we all will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (see Romans 14:10). The type of works each of us did will be revealed in that day. They will be tested, or proven by fire. If our work stands, we have a reward. If it burns, we suffer loss; though we ourselves will be saved (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-14).
It may prove beneficial to remind ourselves periodically how God views our preferences and our handling of His Word, even if it’s obvious. What doe Jesus have to say about esteeming man’s opinion over God’s?
John 5:43-45 I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Placing man’s opinion about God’s may affect one’s belief level. The more you heed the opinion of others, the less apt you may believe His Word. For instance, have you ever found yourself questioning the validity of the Bible during conversations with those who seek refute it? Our flesh, tends to gravitate toward receiving the honor of man. We all want to be accepted. Being rejected by others can sting; however, it pales compared to being rejected by God.
Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, Him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Trying to fit Scripture into the culture of the day bumps up against God’s unchanging nature. God does not change, which means His Word doesn’t either. It will never conform to culture that is contrary to His nature. Even though He is one, God is the Majority. The number of those who disagree with His Word has no relevance, whatsoever! He is not going to change for us, He said so!
Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Ultimately, His Word prevails, therefore, it is far better to conform culture to it. People will actually be judged by the very Word they try to twist. What does God say about adding or taking away from it?
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
The Word can be Uncomfortable
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Perhaps, one reason people seek to either change or avoid the Word is it can make them feel uncomfortable. No one loves feeling exposed; although, exposure provides opportunity for repentance. Therefore, it is better to be exposed now, because on the day of Judgment it will be too late for repentance. It is better to live in the Light than in darkness.
John 2:19-21 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God (NASB).
