Why Study God’s Word?

A lot of times when people talk about believing in God, it is primarily focused on the promise of eternity in heaven. When heaven is the main focus, there may not be an urgency to grow in our relationship. After all, why should I drastically change my life when I can commit to God when I get closer to the end? If faith is just for entering heaven, we are indeed to pitied. If I wanted to play basketball, I can’t just say that I will learn it when I play my first game. In order to fully enjoy the game and do well, I need to learn the rules, practice ball control, become so familiar with the game that my actions are automatic. If someone wanted to be on the team so that they can get a trophy but had no interest in the preparation or listening to the coach, that person will likely not make the team. Going back to faith. Faith is not something we can muster up at will. If we believe, it will push us and encourage us to walk daily with God. If I have no desire to serve God fully now, I will probably not turn to Him in my last hours. More than that, I may have no idea when my last hours will come. Like the basketball analogy, if I want to be on God’s team, it is a daily walk, not a last-minute decision. Before you ask, yes, there are people that receive faith in their last hours (like the thief on the cross), but very few do. If we love God, we want to know who He is and what He expects of us. I find that in His word. It is not enough just to know what He wants me to do, but I need to be doing it. The bible says (about Jesus’ return), “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." It’s not just being ready, but the fact that by faith, we don’t walk alone. In God there is forgiveness, mercy, grace, restoration, joy, hope, wisdom, spiritual gifts, etc. Focusing on the future robs today of its opportunities. If I am not hungering for God and growing in my knowledge of Him, do I really have faith in Him? The basketball analogy breaks down when I think of earning a spot on the team. God has a spot for you already. Father, forgive me when I consider the things of the world of greater importance than knowing You and walking with You. Amen