RIGHT ATTITUDE TO GOD’S WORD (1)

“He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” – John 8:47

In order to Hold Fast the Word, it’s imperative to develop the RIGHT ATTITUDE TO GOD’S WORD: “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (Jh.8:47). Right from the inception of human creation, individuals have evidenced different responses and attitudes toward the Word of God. It would be profitable to examine these in-depth, the rest of this month. Adam displayed a lackadaisical attitude to God’s commandment, while Abraham demonstrated prompt obedience (Gen.3:11-12; 22:1-3). We need to constantly evaluate our attitude to God’s Word in order to make necessary adjustments and remain steadfast in the Faith.

Earlier, Jesus had assured those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in MY WORD, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (vv.31-32). He had therefore pointed their attention to the absolute necessity to abide in and hold fast His Word, with the assurance that their freedom from Sin and liberty to live abundant lives were linked to the knowledge of His Word. Our attitude toward God’s Word – whether negative or positive, lack-luster or lively – is vital to the authenticity, reality, and fulfilment of worthy lives in Christ. In the case of these Jews, Jesus diagnosed why they couldn’t understand His speech: “Because you are not able to listen to My Word” (v.43b). He said further: “But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me” (v.45). They had wrong attitudes to His Word!

We should always ask “What is my attitude to God’s Word?” We must never rebel against His Word: “Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons – because they rebelled against the Words of God, and despise the counsel of the Most High, therefore He brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help” (Psa.107:10-12). This describes the painful plight and fatal fate of those who rebel against the Will and Word of God and turn away from His path: Darkness, death, and despair. Instead of being on the wonderful road that leads to glory, they go down in the dungeon of darkness and bondage, under the shadow of death.

Some people say, “I want to do my own thing. I want to do it my way.” Perhaps the greatest judgement God might bring to our lives is to let us have our own way! God hands such people over to uncleanness, vile passions, and a debased mind (Rom.1: 18-32). God says to those who have a rebellious attitude toward His Word: “Do you want to go in that direction? Do you insist on having your own way? All right, I will not stop you, but neither will I change the consequences”! The people who rebelled against God’s Word, ended up in darkness and death, in the dungeon of defeat and despair. But they cried out to God, and He delivered them. They received light and life and liberty because they called upon the Lord. Then they could praise Him for His goodness and wonderful works (Psa.107:13-15). It’s never too late for God’s Mercy!

The scriptural strategies to developing the right attitude to the Word of God include the following: Reading the Word daily; being attentive to the Word; reverencing the Word; seeking to understand the Word; humbling oneself before the Word; obeying the Word in the fear of God; meditating on the Word regularly; remembering and memorizing the Word; receiving and trusting the Word with Joy and Faith; and speaking the Word with boldness of faith and passion. We shall expound on these in greater detail in the days ahead. Attitude to God’s Word is crucial!