The main reason that we read and study the Word of God is so that He will be glorified in us, we are to study because we have a love for Him, because we desire to know more about Him, it is the way that the Lord has determined in this age to reveal Himself to us.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11) This is the way that we contemplate His truths when we do not have a Bible with us.
“Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:12) This is us asking the Lord to reveal His word to us, not our or any other man’s interpretation of it.
But there is a verse that many are familiar with, yet I question if they have done anymore with it than memorize it. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
One of the main ways that we are to glorify the Lord is by giving an account of our faith, to whomever asks us, whenever or wherever they ask us the reason for our belief in Christ. Here I see little effort. Behind the church doors, even when the sermon has just completed, the conversations are rarely about His mercy and love, they do not surround the subject matter that was offered by the one behind the pulpit, save for those parts that were either entertaining, or about the trials and travails of the world at the present time. All paths seem to lead back to the self, those things that pertain to our place in the world, and not the path that the Lord would have us to be on.
Without our speaking to the heathen, how are they ever going to hear about the Savior? Did you think they were going to watch a video about Him, perhaps take in a movie about His life, maybe they will show up to church just to see how the “other half” lives. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
I believe this is one of the main reasons that, at best, some will invite a lost soul to church, they do not have to give that answer about their faith then, they can simply “pass the buck” if you like. It removes the burden from them, they do not then feel as if they are responsible to this verse, they cannot be blamed, in their mind, for not giving that account of their so-called faith, when they have invited someone to church.
Of course, there is no need to study if one is never planning on giving that account, and so by, at best, simply inviting those they meet to church, they have relived themselves of both parts of these words of Scripture, no giving of an account, no need to study. By doing neither and following the traditions and the routines of the church they attend, they have, in all essence, relieved themselves of any and all obligations to the Lord, they do the least to glorify Him, and expect all the blessings.
They have become complacent.
There is a day coming for all of us that will offer no place to hide, no excuses will be heard, the truth of your heart, shown by your actions for the sole purpose of the glory to God will be revealed. This day bears serious and regular contemplation, and the man of God would be wise to consider these words, for that day will indeed arrive. It is love that compels us, it is an honor and privilege to serve Him as He sees best for us. We have nothing to offer the Lord but our submission, and we cannot submit in a way that is pleasing to Him unless we study His Word, and then apply it, as the Holy Spirit leads us, for His glory in whatever way we are called.
