Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the importance of not only studying and reading the written word of God, but also applying the principles and sacred precepts to our everyday lives, so that we will not harbor only an intellectual knowledge of His commandments, but that they may become an integral part of our existence. The written word of God does several good things for those who study and apply its teachings, one of the more prominent being that it establishes an active reference point in our minds as to the absolute standards of right and wrong, so that we could make well informed and deliberate choices to do either good or evil.
The word of God informs our consciences, and establishes beyond all doubt what is sin and what is righteousness, hence the reason why the written word plays such an integral part in the process of sanctification. As a matter of fact, the ongoing process of conversion consists of the work of God in our hearts and minds, etching the principles of His law into our minds, so that we may have clearer, and still clearer concepts of truth and duty. Therefore, without the written word, the process of cleansing us from all unrighteousness is greatly compromised, for then we will not have a gold standard of absolute truth to guide our feet into the ways of peace. Let's read:
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
The tendency of both the secular world, and those in Christian circles, to circumnavigate the plainest utterances of holy writ, and the deliberate efforts to water down what God has set in stone, in order to please the sin-loving multitudes, or to procure large congregations, has been productive of the greatest evils, for who would have thought that the day would come, when gays and lesbians would be preaching from the pulpit, whilst living in direct violation of the written word of God? Thus the truth has been greatly diluted to suit itching ears, and so many of us as Christians have now embraced this new, but satanic brand of theology, that the true servants of God are now literally being threatened with extinction.
However, the word of God will stand forever, and all those who choose to live by its teachings will be tremendously blessed, for the scriptures were given by inspiration of God, for the very best good of humanity. Whenever we read of truth and duty in the written word, we should then hasten to obey, by asking God to send us His enabling Holy Spirit, to put into practice what we have read. Without practical application, the word of God becomes a dead letter, not being allowed to do its regenerative work of sanctifying and washing us from the stains of sin, and thus it is imperative, that all who would seek after Christ and His righteousness, be now intimately acquainted with the teachings of His word, for they are spirit and they are life.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of the importance of the written word of God, and it is His will that we be fed daily with the heavenly manna, so that we do not hunger and thirst after the broken cisterns of earth. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!