“It
is written ….” These are important
words; words we should not overlook.
When
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He defended Himself with the Word, recorded
for Him (and for us) in the Bible. These
words are “living and active” according to Hebrews,
and St. Paul calls them the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians. St. John warns us
in Revelation to not add or subtract from
them. The psalmist meditated on them day
and night. Clearly, the Word plays a
vital role in the life of a believer!
As
we face temptation and strive to overcome it we will find that it is impossible
in our own strength. Yes, by
self-discipline we may make good choices regarding our finances, fitness and
family life. But the closer to our
relationship with God, as we deal with the
essence of our being, loving as we have been loved, and living in Christ we
find that we need more than good intentions and determination. We need the power of God, the life and
salvation that He alone gives, and He delivers these things and much more in
the Word.
Too
often we buy into hollow and deceptive philosophies, which depend on human
tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ when we
face the choices we are confronted with. When we make decisions about how to
treat others, how to behave when we are angry, how to approach someone who has
wronged us; even when we think about how to live a “good” life or what good and
evil are, the world and God’s Word often give us different prescriptions.
God
is present in His Word to make us alive in Christ, giving us forgiveness, transforming
us, leading and empowering us. This is
our lifeline by which God takes hold of us, giving us salvation, blessing and loving
us, working through it every moment, keeping us in the faith.
Father
in Heaven, Your Word is powerful and gives me life. Keep me steadfast in your Word, and help me
to love it. Fill my thoughts with it, so
that I may follow You and display Your Word in how I live. Amen.
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