The more I live and read God’s word, the more I understand the benefits of striving to stand on, depend on and make decisions according to it.
God’s word consistently calls us to love, forgive, repent, to do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly. Sometimes the commands and principles seem to require of us more than we are capable of, but I know with certainty that God will never call us to anything he will not or can not see us through. More than not, the discipline needed to live according to God’s word is the problem. But it’s important that I tell you the benefits of living this life far outway what we can sometimes see as a hard sacrifice.
The Benefits of Living According to God’s Word Are:
Wisdom
According to God’s word “ If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5
When the trials of life come, so does the need to seek and use wisdom. Trials come for one of two reasons to weed out something in use that is a hindrance or to plant something in us that can be used for the uplifting of Christ.
God used wisdom when he created the Heavens and the Earth. We too are consistently called to pursue and to use wisdom when dealing with situations and navigating this life.
Encouragement
The Bible is full of stories and examples of God being God. When I dwell on scripture, David comes to mind and how he defeated Goliath with a stone, a sling, a sword and certainty in God’s ability to deliver Goliath into his hands. ( 1 Samuel 17:45-47)
Elizabeth also comes to mind and how her and Zecharaiah went from barrenness to abundance as parents to John The Baptist.( Luke 1)
Or Naomi’s Ruth. Ruth was able to look at Naomi’s life and in spite of her many hardships and even her compromise, see something that made her want to know and follow and be in relationship with the God of Israel. ( Ruth 1)
And finally the fact that God chose me( us) before the foundation of the world. ( Ephesians 1)
I could go on and on about the stories, relationships and triumphs that have encouraged me, but I’ll leave this here: Encouragement can be found even in the midst of our going through.
Diagnosis
According to Hebrews 4:12-13 the word of God is living and powerful. It is sharp and has the ability to pierce to the point of dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrows. The word can discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts and there is nothing in us or noone among us that can be hidden from his sight. He can see all things.
He has the unique ability to identify the issues of our lives by the examination of our hearts.
Direction
Much like for the disciples in John 21 after the crucifixion, Jesus is always there to help direct us. Whether in our work, in our marriages, or in ministry we can count on God to direct our paths and order our steps.
It Testifies to the Character of God
Who he is, how he is and what he is capable of are all revealed through scripture. His power and provision. His seriousness and sincerity are all painted perfectly.
To search the scripture with the right intent is to find our Lord and Messiah, God the Son.
John 5:39
More than how to behave, God’s word teaches us how to avoid many of the pitfalls of life. Through Bible study, supplication, and a consistent striving to know and do God’s will, we can live a life full of joy, peace and even when trials occur- abundance.
When you handle the issues of life according to the will and word of God, I believe he smiles.
I know that this list is nowhere near complete.
What are some other benefits to living according to God’s word? What scriptures have helped you to make a decision or give you peace about a situation?
Positively, Tonine