Even where we develop a healthy and useful bible study habit, pride and
Self-importance
can so easily trip us up – look how good we are being/how many bible
study apps we have completed; how much we are studying – but how much of The Word are we actually living?
The bible says those who study the word and then do not do what it says are:
For
if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing his natural face in a mirror; (New King James version)
James 1:23
If
we only study it, we see a reflection of our useful habit, our improved
or self-motivated discipline or our own justified good feeling – we
must step through the ‘mirror’ and actually live in the Word. We can parallel living ‘In Christ’ and living ‘In the Word’ as Jesus is the Word.
Do we read; Matthew 6:25 – 34
and feel temporarily calmed and then rush off into our busy lives and
allow anxiety about money, work, relationships or health to affect our
thoughts and actions?
Do
we agree with loving our neighbour in serene moments of study in the
morning or evening and then shout angrily when someone cuts us up in
traffic in the middle of a busy intersection?
How is the ‘alive and active’ (Hebrews 4:12) cutting
to our bone and marrow and showing us how-to live-in grace and power
through Christ alone and nothing we do?
Instead of seeing a reflection of our natural face in t the Word, are we using it to apply to “judge(s) the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” and therefore to spur us into repentance where needed or to rejoice in reassurance of Grace where we do not? Regular bible study is indeed an admirable habit to cultivate and such habits will help the flesh serve the Spirit rather than warring against it, but only when we have followed through will applying the Word and seeing it actively changing and refining our lives can we say to be living in the Word. Others around us or living with us, too should notice and see how Christ as the Word is changing and transforming our lives – the word then as an ‘instruction manual’ for humans’ rightful response to Jesus rather than a book of theology.
Instead of seeing a reflection of our natural face in t the Word, are we using it to apply to “judge(s) the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” and therefore to spur us into repentance where needed or to rejoice in reassurance of Grace where we do not? Regular bible study is indeed an admirable habit to cultivate and such habits will help the flesh serve the Spirit rather than warring against it, but only when we have followed through will applying the Word and seeing it actively changing and refining our lives can we say to be living in the Word. Others around us or living with us, too should notice and see how Christ as the Word is changing and transforming our lives – the word then as an ‘instruction manual’ for humans’ rightful response to Jesus rather than a book of theology.
