The writer of (Hebrews 4:12) describes the word of God as being living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. However, as Christians, we do not always realize just how powerful the word of God is and do not seek to release this power into our lives and the lives of others. It is well worth pondering the potential of the transforming effect that his word can have on his people, those who have been called by his name.
But God's word is not only powerful in his people. It has the potential to touch and transform the lives of those around us.It is exciting to think about how much effect God's words have already had in our lives and perhaps even more exciting to consider how they will speak to us in the days to come.
No doubt the words of James rightly diagnose our condition: "If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like." (James 1:23-24). A pastor I know told me of a method he uses for his spiritual disciplines and relationship with God. In the morning, he does not talk to anyone before he talks to God. So he wakes up a lot earlier than his wife and spends some time in prayer. Also, as a part of his daily habit he never reads anything before reading parts of the Scriptures.
What a great idea! How many mistakes we could avoid if we gave the word of God first priority in our lives! May we daily listen to him and read his word, meditate on it, allow ourselves to digest it and apply it to our own lives and different circumstances so that we will increasingly grow in him and with him. As we do so, may the word of God powerfully smash anything in our hearts and lives that is not from God.
- 9 MARCH -