1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
The Word of God is a wonderful thing. It’s different from human words. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It’s living and active. As we read it, it works in us. It will prompt us to action. This is one of our greatest wonders. As it enters us, it works on our spirits, souls and minds.
Hebrews also says that it can judge our intentions. We may feel our actions are innocent. However, God’s Word will bring a bad motive to our attention. This is the process of sanctification. God is making us better day by day. He can use other things, but His Word is the primary source of His communication with us.
His Word can’t coexist with an uncooperative heart. Verse 10 of 1 John says we can’t lie with God’s Word in us. One will have to go, the lie or His Word. This is like the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). There are several things that will make the Word disappear: worldly cares, the devil, and the lack of understanding. It’s a tragic thing when His Word evaporates from our lives.
His Word also can’t stay with us as we are full of worldly cares. These may be the events of our day. They don’t have to be bad things. I’ll need to go to work and focus there. That’s why we need to feed on His Word regularly. For example, yesterday I was impressed with the thought of God as father. If I don’t go back and revisit that, it begins to fade in the background. We need to attend to His teachings.
These cares may be bad. Idolotry is when we elevate something that takes the place of God. It may be money, happines, or a person. God is a jealous god. He won’t stay with a competing desire. He is a guest ignored. He will clear His throat and get our attention. Eventually, He will fade to the background.
The devil is actively trying to weed out God’s Word. He does this by distracting us. He can do it by being embittered by difficult times. It isn’t a neutral environment. It’s actually a spiritual battle. He is seeking to keep us from God.
His Word tells us His will. If someone asks what His will is, it’s in the bible. We are told to turn right or left, but we learn His character. We learn what Jesus would do.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. That it tells us Your will. Help us to attend to it like a garden plant. To water and nurture it. Our days will busy us. Help us to return to it.