Post #71 - It Only Works If You Apply It

The things you learn in school mean nothing if you don't remember them. 

Giving your word means nothing if you don't keep it.

Likewise, the word of God is nothing if you don't apply it to your life.

John 2:22-25 says that we should not only be hearers of the word of God, but we should be doers of the word as well. This scripture likens those who do not apply the word as a man seeing his face in a mirror, then walking away and forgetting what he looks like. But, if we look into the word of God and apply it to our lives, it is sure to set us free.

"...if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. "

Many of us read and can even recite various scriptures from the bible, but do not apply them. For years, I went to church, heard the word, and left the same way. We have refused to use the word as a balm for healing. We seemingly read it for entertainment, to pass the time, or as something we think we are supposed to do. But, we haven't been using it to our advantage. 

The bible says that "the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12)."

But the word is only powerful and life changing if you allow it to be. The bible can't do anything if you just sit it on a shelf. And why read it if when you finish, you allow yourself to remain the same? The word is meant to help us see something within ourselves that is wanting and use it to make a change.

The problem is that too many of us are seeing ourselves as more than what we really are (Romans 12:3). We think that we are right in all things while everyone else is wrong and we refuse to listen. Even the word of God makes these types of people see the wrong in others while they ignore the wrongs within themselves. 

I pray that the word of God becomes an accuser. Pointing out our transgressions like a grade school snitch. I pray that it convicts us as we read it and helps us to see ourselves in the right light. 

Then, we must let the word heal us and strengthen us and be our guide to change, growth, and improvement. We must use it as a textbook, teaching us right from wrong. As a compass, guiding us in the right direction. We must use it as a self help book, making needed improvements within us and bringing us to a place of healing and wholeness. 

Many of us look at the bible with reverence. We put it above other books and think of it as holy. We swear on it, but we won't swear by it. 

We won't apply its contents to our lives. 

The bible needs to be a part of our daily routine. We must make it a central part of our lives. We must read it, meditate on it, and learn from it. 

Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). The more we read it, the more we meditate on it, the more our faith grows. The more we learn its power. The more we learn to trust and depend on God.

The word of God is powerful to convict, heal, and set free. But, we've got to use it as it is intended and apply it to our lives. What good is it if we forget it as soon as it's read? 

No good. 

And if we don't apply it, we will forever remain the same.