An Accident Going Somewhere to Happen Bible Reading: Matthew 6
If you were to select only one of the following gifts, what will your choice be?
- One billion US dollars
- The only bible in the world (assuming only one exist)
- Worldwide fame
I perceive some of my readers will select option 2, i.e. the only bible. However, your genuine choice is not what your “church mind” is telling you right now but what your life experiences is showing you on a daily basis. So let’s take the same test from another perspective.
- How much of your daily time is spent chasing after money and things money can buy?
- How much time do you spend in a day trying to know more about God and his word?
- How much of your time do you spend devising means that will make you famous?
You see what I mean? One way to gauge your love for something is by the amount of invaluable currency (time) you give to that thing. John 3:16 says God so loved the world that he gave Jesus. God’s love was demonstrated by his giving. In like manner, the time you give to the options above is a simple way to let you know the quality of love you have for them. So based on the time you spend with your bible, would you still select option 2?
Today, when some people get born again, their first desire is that ‘old means of cash inflow shall pass away and all streams of cash inflow shall become new’; some begin to desire that they crush all their past enemies with spiritual antiballistic missiles; others immediately desire recognition in Christian meetings. But the bible says in I Peter 2:2 (GW) “Desire God’s pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation”. Why? Because nearly every other success God expects from you is hinged on your spiritual growth.
The formula is still “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and every other thing shall be added to you” (Mat 6:33). Imagine you give a baby the options of choosing either milk, money or fame, what do you think will be his first choice? Of course, it is milk, because without it he cannot even spend the money in the first place. The milk is what will help him sustain his life. That is the same way we should see the word of God. It is the pivot on which all other success should be built upon. God’s word is life to our lives. A Christian that does not desire and ponder on God’s word is like an accident going somewhere to happen. He/she may look okay at the moment, but it’s just a matter of time, the crash will come. If you must grow spiritually, you have to always have a burning desire for God’s word.
Notwithstanding, if we are sincere with ourselves, we will agree that there are many people reading their bibles for years but it appears no visible change has occurred in their life. How do we read our bibles in a way that will make us grow? How do we sap nutrients from God’s pure word?
– tope aladenusi