Valuing the word of others over the Word of God
In my newsletter this week, I would like to ask if you have ever valued the word of others over the Word of God? You may not want to admit this or declare that you were one who followed the crowd in the past, but it happens to all of us at one time or another. When we listen to others, we may not always recognize the intent behind how they are leading. If truth be known, sometimes others do not always have the best intentions. We may not recognize these bad intentions or how harmful they can be, because we want to trust, and in return allow their influence to mold our decisions. For this reason, whether the advice or encouragement is positive or negative, following through can often times have very bad consequences. When we think about how many people have spoken into our lives, it is daunting. Can you think back to those who have given you advice or maybe encouraged you to go down a slippery slope that may not have been the best path. Did you ever let their influence lead you astray? The reason I ask is recently, I overheard a conversation where someone was encouraging another person to engage in something that would cause them harm. As I thought about the consequences of these actions, I thought about when I was young and the risky things that I did because of someone’s suggestions. When reflecting back, the truth is, I never really thought about the outcome or the consequences, I just followed the lead of someone who didn’t care about the long-term effects. Boy, am I thankful that nothing happened to me during that time. Not only could some of my choices in my younger years change the trajectory of my life, but it would also impact the lives of my family, friends and others. When we look at the Word of God, the suggestions and advice in this book is totally the opposite. See, we automatically have someone who has our best interest at heart. His Word proclaims boldly how we are to live our lives and communicates who we should follow. We are never at risk, and He always knows the outcome. There are many benefits when reading the Bible. Some perks of reading the Word include: the Word helps transforms lives, the Word directs us in wisdom, the Word gives strength and power over worldly temptations, the Word helps us have a better understanding of how we are to live.
I challenge you to turn up the volume on the Word of God and turn down the volume of the world. By doing this, your life will be forever changed.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Chaplain Tracey Burns
Reflection Questions:
What distractions do you need to illuminate, so you have time to read the Word of God?
How will you tune out others and follow the Word rather than the World?
Who will you listen to when making life decisions?
Bonus: Great song (if you are interested) - When you need guidance all you have to say is “Word of God Speak”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqsnGE3_dsg