“Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 (Amplified)
In the book of judges, one statement that resonated and also encapsulated the reason for the anarchy that reigned at the time was that “Every man did what was right in his own sight”. Had there been no law for the governance of God’s people and regulating their lives, the resultant chaos would have been excusable for where there is no law there is no sin. Given that the human nature is naturally rebellious to what is good, it is always necessary to create boundaries of acceptable behaviour. Consequently when no such boundaries exist or where such laws are not enforced, even for a brief period, oppression, looting and other shenanigans become the order of the day. All it takes to prove this point is to look at the several failed states we have around and the resultant chaos when every man does whatever is right in his own sight. The simple truth is that many of us who moan about the laws of our countries would think twice before complaining again if we have been through the terrible experience of living in a place where there is no rule of law, as the law is there primarily to safeguard our very lives.
In line with the other gifts God has given to mankind, Scripture is God’s loving way of conferring meaning to our lives. It is the means by which we rightly relate with God as well as with our world. As enumerated in our anchor passage, Scripture is profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in conformity to God’s will and thought, purpose and action. Without the guidance of Scriptures, humanity is lost.
As with any gift, Scripture has to be received and adhered to. This is the reason James said that he who looks to the perfect law that gives liberty and is not just a hearer but a doer of the word, he will prosper in all His ways Jam 1:25. According to John 5:3, the commandments of God are not grievous; they are meant to make life enjoyable. God is not a spoilsport who delights in taking the fun out of living. His intention is to enable us to live in joy within the safe boundaries of His word. Whenever we have chosen to neglect His direction, the horrible consequences of our actions have always rebounded upon us. Whenever we have chosen to interpret His word out of context or in isolation to suit our own purposes, the repercussions have always been disastrous for us, for His principle operates on line upon line and precept upon precept basis. Whenever we have exalted our intellect above divine wisdom, we have always ended up in darkness. God’s goal for us is that His laws shall be imprinted in our hearts so that we will no longer need teachers, but shall in turn teach. So, with all you have get wisdom and understanding. The only source of true wisdom is God’s word, so choose to both read and do God’s word from now onward because His word is life.
Prayer:
Lord, you word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path. Help me to be a doer of your word. Shine your light on my life and dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin. Cause your life to fill me so that your word can overflow through my life to positively impact my world for you in Jesus name. Amen.