The Word

For the past eight months, I’ve spent a lot of time observing current events. 

Too much time actually. 

Found myself going down the rabbit hole on X, and endless hours of scrolling on social media. 

Spoiler alert…it’s not good for your mental health. 

Was talking to Sara one day and told her I needed to get away from it. “So why don’t you?” she asked. 

“Good question,” I replied. 

Yet I had no answer. 

Wasn’t long after that conversation I had one of those “about to fall asleep” conversations with God…

“Lord, I need your help getting away from X.” 

 “Can’t delete the app for you.”

Rolled over, grabbed my phone, and deleted it. (and haven’t looked back)

A few weeks later I found the answer to Sara’s question. 

I realized I was looking for something positive to happen. To see good triumph over evil, only to find an endless loop of crazy.  

This world is quickly spiraling out of control, and there’s little chance it will get better anytime soon. Everything you see happening can be explained by the Word of God, but only if you choose to see it.  

And you’ll see it only if you choose to read it. 

I often say there is a great deal of Biblical illiteracy in our churches today, and I stand by that statement. It’s why so many churches (and Christians) have become powerless, ineffective in their witness to the world. 

It’s also tragic there are many in churches today who believe they are right with God, call themselves “Christians,” but have never been born again. Have never repented of sin, come the way of the cross, and adopted into the Family of God. 

What’s even more tragic is they are unaware. (Matt 7:21)

This is where some would be quick to jump into the conversation and say, “Who are you to judge?” 

Such a question proves my point. 

From the early days of my faith walk, I’ve recognized the importance of the Word in my life. At every opportunity I’ve stressed, encouraged, and in some cases pleaded with others to do the same.

In the spirit of full transparency, although I’ve known what God said, I haven’t always obeyed, and paid the consequence for my actions. 

But His word is always true, and His truth never changes. (Heb 13:8)

In my time of church ministry, I understood my role was not to “lord” over those around me. Not to bring them under the law, but to not only teach the Word, but convince the listener God wanted to speak directly to them. To make them aware the Holy Spirit, the greatest teacher of all, was eager to reveal the truth that could lead to healing, wholeness, and direct their path.

The relationship God desires with you is not though a Pastor, a Priest, or a church. 

You don’t need an intermediary. 

Your walk with God is personal. 

Yet you will never experience the intimacy God desires until you make the decision to commit to the personal study and application of His word in your life. 

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I left X a number of months ago now, and haven’t missed it. 

Not once. 

But there’s still Facebook and Instagram. 

I’m guessing that will be the next to go, but have yet to make that decision.

But I do know this… 

If you’re not committed to the personal study of the Word, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, you are at risk. 

Great risk. 

“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.” 1 Tim 4:1-2 (NLT)

The world, the church, and many pulpits today are filled with them. Many are “deconstructing” their faith, choosing to no longer retain the knowledge of God, and walk away. 

We live in a time where many redefine the meaning of words they don’t like, and feel they can “self-identify” as anything they want. 

Including “Christian.”

As I said earlier… I’ve stressed, encouraged, and pleaded. 

It’s now a warning.