The Word of God

Before I came to a saving knowledge of the Lord, I did not have a real hunger for the Word of God. Yes, I read the Bible, but simply for information and trivial matters.

When I came to know Christ and became aware of my sin, the Word of God has become a treasure chest of true knowledge and wisdom for me. It has enriched me spiritually. It has made me wiser.

In the words of the psalmist it has become "a light to my feet and a lamp to my path." I have learned to love and meditate upon the law of God, seeking to live according to its precepts.

I realized later that the change did not come from me but was powerfully brought upon me by the Holy Spirit. The Scripture has become life and light, as well as food and drink to me.

One author has described the nature of the Word beautifully when he said, "God's Word is like water, according to Ephesians 5:26. It is also food. As the prophet Jeremiah said to God, 'Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart' (Jeremiah 15:16)."

"Jesus Himself proclaimed," he continued, "that 'man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4). It is true that without physical food our bodies would die in matter of days. But without soul nourishment, we perish forever.

"Food and water are essential, but there are other things basic to life, and the Word of God is compared to these as well. It is called a light (Psalm 119:105), a fire and a tool (Jeremiah 23:29), a weapon (Ephesians 6:17), and seed (1 Peter 1:23). Moreover, the Word of God is perfect, sure, right, pure, true and righteous, sweeter than honey, and to be desired more than much fine gold (Psalm 19:7-10)."

The same author added saying, "Indeed the psalmist exclaimed, 'The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver' (Psalm 119:72). It can convert the soul, make wise the simple, rejoice the heart, and enlighten the eyes (Psalm 19:7-9)..."

"The written words of God are closely identified with God Himself. Through them He makes Himself most clearly known and declares to us the way to Himself through Christ. Without knowledge of God, no matter how long and prosperous one's earthly existence, life is meaningless and worthless. Thus no other object on earth is as valuable as the Bible, for nothing else can provide anything as essential or eternal" (Donald S. Whitney, "Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health," 29-30).

Donald Whitney's descriptions of the Bible really became true to me. As it becomes a daily food and companion in life, I become more and more aware of God's loving authority over me.

I agree with Dr. Whitney's conclusion: "Given the incomparable value of Scripture, the Christians need for its constant influence cannot be overstated. God's Word is the manna by which the heavenly Father feeds His children so that they can grow more into the likeness of His perfect Son. That is why the Lord has told us to 'desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby' (1 Peter 2:2).

"While...certain cult groups in our time are evidence that more is needed to become Christ-like than megadose of Scripture, still it is true that little input of God's Word results in little resemblance to God's Son. So one question by which you can evaluate your spiritual health and growth is, 'Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?'" ("Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health," 30-31).