Even a casual look at the Bible reveals that a great premium is placed on the way a person hears God’s message. Jesus said, “Therefore take care how you listen” (Luke 8:18). This thought is further echoed in Christ’s exhortations to the seven churches of Asia: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2 and 3).
The ancient Bereans were commended in that, “They received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). They wanted to know what was right so that they could do what was right in God’s sight. They valued the Scriptures.
You and I must have this same attitude. We must want to do God’s will (Psalm 119:137-144). We must recognize that, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
We must be ready to obey God is spite of the fact that some portions of the Scriptures are hard to accept (e.g., Matthew 19:1-12). Certain biblical demands may grate against our personal preferences, but disciples of the Lord will do what Jesus commanded (Matthew 6:33; 2 John 9). Even when we might be inclined to ignore the imperatives of Scripture, our attitude must be like that of Peter who said to Christ, “But at your bidding I will” (Luke 5:1-11).
What is your attitude toward the Bible? Are you ready to obey the will of God regardless of where it leads you? Jesus, said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).
Mark Hanstein