There Is None Good

A certain ruler came to Jesus with a question that every thoughtful person has entertained at one time or another. “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). From his question at least two things are evident. First, he believed unquestionably that eternal life was real and, secondly, he did not believe he had it. From the text it seems that he had everything but eternal life. He was a “ruler” and later in the narrative we are told that “he was very rich” (Luke 18:23). We should also note that Christ did not discourage him from his question, thus, commending the consideration.

Our Lord pointedly responded to him laying the groundwork for more discussion. “Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is God” (Luke 18:19). It is important to note Christ did not deny that He was good, as the ruler had stated. Rather, Jesus intended his probe to spur this man’s understanding of both Jesus’ claim to be God (for he did make that claim) and the fact that he (the ruler) was not good. (It is evident that the ruler thought he was indeed good as we shall see.)

In the context of this matter of who is or isn’t good, Jesus set forth five of the ten commandments that relate to our dealing with our fellow man. “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother” (Luke18:20). The ruler’s response was amazing given that Christ had just reminded him that there is none good. He answered, “All these have I kept from my youth up,” a remarkable claim! Yet I imagine there are many likewise today that blindly claim they have not fallen short in fulfilling any of these commands. James, the Lord’s half-brother, reminded us that “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

Jesus then turned the ruler’s attention to an area not addressed previously when he listed the commandments, his covetousness. “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he [the ruler] heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich” (Luke 18:22-23). Paul confirmed to the believers in Colosse that “covetousness…is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Idolatry is anything that comes between us and loving God as we ought. In this respect this ruler’s wealth had become an idol to him for it kept him from coming to God.

Our Lord does not expect us to sell all our belongings in order to follow him. Christ used this challenge to clearly manifest a condition in this man’s heart; he thought more of his wealth than of God. Jesus concluded “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24). The warning is not that wealth keeps one from heaven, but rather a love of wealth that closes heaven’s door. Paul wrote “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:10; emphasis added).

Reflecting on the ruler’s question, are you convinced that there is none good, except God, including yourself? We must begin there in order to come to Christ for he said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).

Pharisee or Publican?

One of the chief spiritual lies that leads to the damnation of men’s souls is the belief that one can earn his way into heaven by good works. The Bible is plain in its declaration of man’s sin. The Scriptures point out “there is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). Yet, somehow, we are inclined to believe that if we do enough good works that these will outweigh the bad and give us that heavenly home we desire.

The Apostle Paul sought earnestly to eliminate that false hope writing “that no man is justified [declared righteous] by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). He meant that doing the good things the law required while not doing the things the law condemned would save no one because it simply is impossible to do. James confirmed the guilt of this inevitable failure. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

Jesus likewise spoke to the foolishness of self-righteousness in a parable. “And he [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14).

The Pharisee, a religious leader, boasted to God by comparing himself to other men. It is always possible to find someone that we compare ourselves with favorably. But our righteousness is not measured in the sight of men, but as Paul noted, in the sight of God! Jesus saw through the hypocrisy of these religious fakes. They were quick to “tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith” (Matthew 23:23).

The publican, a tax collector, was very much aware of his sin before a holy God and was so humbled by it that he could not even look heavenward. Rather, he pleaded that God would be “merciful” toward him, that God would accept him on the basis of the sacrifice.

Jesus concluded the parable “this man [the publican] went down to his house justified [righteous]” and not the Pharisee. The publican received a righteous standing with God thru faith while the Pharisee sought to establish his own righteousness, but came up lacking. How about you? Do you identify with the Pharisee or with the publican? Are you trusting in your own good works or do you need a righteousness that is not your own. Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection has “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). Receive him and know the righteousness of God.

Nehemiah Responds to a Need

Thousands of Jews were carried into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, over a series of three deportations beginning in 605 BC. Exile from Judah, their homeland, and captivity in Babylon (and later Persia) was God’s judgment on his people for failing to keep his covenant. The length of their exile, 70 years, meant that many Jews were actually born while in captivity. Nehemiah was such a man.

Nehemiah served as the king’s cupbearer at Shushan the palace in Persia, but he had a deep and genuine longing for the land of his fathers. Though many had returned to Judah and the temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar had finally been rebuilt (515 BC), Jerusalem itself was still far from being restored. Those who had been to Jerusalem reported to Nehemiah “The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3).

It is at this point that the Scriptures reveal to us some of Nehemiah’s leadership qualities that serve as patterns for our own behavior. First, he identified with the work of God. Though he had never been to Jerusalem, he was burdened for its restoration. Jerusalem and the temple were the very center of Jewish life. The city’s safety was necessary for the service in the temple to be free from interruption. The fact that the walls were broken down left the city vulnerable to the antagonists surrounding Jerusalem and would interfere with worship in the temple.

When Nehemiah heard the report he “sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). His burden for the work of God took him to the throne of God first. This ought to be our practice as well. The work of building the church is the very work of Christ. He told his disciples “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). We have the great privilege of laboring with him in this great endeavor. Often the Lord will bring to our attention some need in the work of the ministry. Do we bring it to him in prayer? Or do we just complain?

The second thing that Nehemiah did was made himself a part of the solution. Part of Nehemiah’s prayer was that God would “grant him mercy in the sight of this man [the king]” (Nehemiah 1:11). In light of his prayer, Nehemiah said unto the king, “If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it” (Nehemiah 2:5).

Nehemiah was made aware of the need by those who had come from Jerusalem. He understood the implications of the city’s condition and became burdened for its restoration. He prayed that God would open the door for him to lead in the rebuilding of its walls and gates. God heard and answered his prayers for the Scriptures record that “it pleased the king to send me” (Nehemiah 2:6).

Believer, our Lord has a place of service for each one in the great work of building his church. How do you respond when you see a need? Do you step forward and seek to meet that need or, do you withdraw and hope that someone else will act first? Working for Christ is a privilege!

Men Ought Always to Pray and Not Faint

Every child of God has struggled at one time or another with “unanswered” prayer. I know in my own life there have been times when I’ve prayed and prayed with regard to some specific burden, but it seems as if my prayers have gone unheard. When this occurs discouragement begins to take hold, and we are sorely tempted to just give up. Jesus understood this dilemma and used a parable to shed light from the throne room of heaven in this matter. Our Lord frequently used parables, earthly stories with heavenly meanings, to teach eternal verities. In this case, however, he explained the very purpose of the parable so that there would be no confusion as to its intent.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he [the judge] would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18:1-5). This widow had no merits before the judge. Nothing is known of her case. She had no advocate to speak for her. Her only recourse was persistence. We are told that she troubled the judge by her “continual coming.”

It is evident from the parable that the judge’s only interest in acting on the widow’s behalf was his own selfishness. We are told, plainly, he was “weary” with her repeated appearances before him. He gave relief simply to rid her from his docket. His behavior was despicable in the circumstances of the parable, and it is this behavior that our Lord draws to our attention. “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith” (Luke 18:6). Specifically, our Savior intends to draw a contrast between the behavior of this unjust judge, specifically his motivation, and that of our heavenly Father. Jesus adds, “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8). Therein lies the lesson for us, God’s children, who wait at his throne.

How different is the motivation of our heavenly Father! Child of God, our heavenly Father delights to hear our prayers and is not just willing to hear and answer them, but is actually eager to do so. He is not disinterested in those matters that burden our hearts and compel us to the throne of grace. Yes, our Father may often “bear long” with his children in their prayers, but this accomplishes his perfect will in the matter which is always best. Sometimes our prayers may seem to be sitting idly on a shelf when in reality they are simply waiting for the right, even perfect, circumstances to unfold. Once those circumstances are met our Father “speedily” dispatches those answers. We may have abandoned our requests, even forgotten them, but our heavenly Father never does!

As the parable teaches, we ought always to pray and not to faint. We must persevere in our prayers for the Lord is at work on our behalf. Don’t give up!

Forgiving One Another

The failure to forgive one another lies at the heart of more ruined relationships than any other personal failure. I don’t have statistics to back that assertion, but I believe there would be a consensus as to its veracity. Both our experience and observation would find us regrettably nodding in agreement. Many a bitter soul has found the origin of its bitterness in this very thing, the failure to restore a broken relationship.

In a discourse on issues arising from sins committed against one another, Jesus made this statement. “Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). Breaking this simple yet profound command (and it is a command) down into its elements will help us in our dealings one with another.

First of all, it is understood that trespasses do occur and when they do, they disturb the harmony that previously existed between one another. The impetus behind Jesus’ command “rebuke him” is an earnest desire to restore what has been broken. We know that not every offense requires rebuke. Christians are to deal with one another “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). To put it in modern vernacular, we should not wear our feelings on our sleeves. Failure to suffer long with the minor mistreatments of others (which are often more perceived than real) stokes the fires of our own pride and causes us to react in passion rather than in love.

But some offenses are genuinely not to be swept aside. They must be confronted and addressed. Here is where we frequently fail. We give ourselves over to stewing about the wrongdoing and so the hardening process in our hearts begins. When we lovingly seek out the offending individual, we demonstrate that the relationship is important to us. Furthermore, we show that truth is the key ingredient to sound relationships. James instructed us “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17; emphasis added).

Jesus’ instruction does not stop with confronting the offending party, but goes on to mandate forgiveness when the offender repents. Forgiveness is the right conclusion to the matter, the very key to moving forward in any strained relationship. Oftentimes, the one offended wants his or her “pound of flesh” before extending forgiveness, an attitude more in keeping with vengeance. Yet Paul warned believers in Rome, “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:18-19). Forgiveness builds; vengeance tears down.

Perhaps, you have difficulty forgiving others because you have never known true forgiveness yourself. Again, Paul wrote “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32; emphasis added). Have you come to know the forgiveness of Christ?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16: 19-21). With these two statements our Lord summarizes the lives of these two individuals.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).

It is evident from the narrative that there is life after death. These two were conscious of their surroundings and of each other. We should never be deceived to think that we have this life only and there is nothing after this life. Frankly, this was the downfall of the rich man. It is evident that he lived for this life only. Abraham responded to his request to send Lazarus by reminding him “that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25; emphasis added). The rich man’s fault was not that he was rich, but that he lived his life without regard for eternity. That is an important lesson for each one of us. Jesus taught plainly “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36).

Not only were these two men conscious of their surroundings, but their surroundings were distinctly different. Again, Abraham in responding to the rich man’s request tells him “now he [Lazarus] is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). One location is a place of conscious bliss, and the other is a place of conscious torment. Furthermore, there is no passage between the two – ever!

There is life after death and heaven and hell are real places. Those who live for this life only are not prepared for death and its consequences. Death is an appointment that none can escape as the author of Hebrews points out. “It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Our Lord tells us that hell, the everlasting fire, is “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Though Satan, the devil, is inescapably assigned to suffer eternally there, man can avoid its torment. Each individual must choose. Jesus Christ offers life, the forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven to those who will receive it. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). What will you do with Jesus?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16: 19-21). With these two statements our Lord summarizes the lives of these two individuals.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).

It is evident from the narrative that there is life after death. These two were conscious of their surroundings and of each other. We should never be deceived to think that we have this life only and there is nothing after this life. Frankly, this was the downfall of the rich man. It is evident that he lived for this life only. Abraham responded to his request to send Lazarus by reminding him “that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25; emphasis added). The rich man’s fault was not that he was rich, but that he lived his life without regard for eternity. That is an important lesson for each one of us. Jesus taught plainly “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36).

Not only were these two men conscious of their surroundings, but their surroundings were distinctly different. Again, Abraham in responding to the rich man’s request tells him “now he [Lazarus] is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). One location is a place of conscious bliss, and the other is a place of conscious torment. Furthermore, there is no passage between the two – ever!

There is life after death and heaven and hell are real places. Those who live for this life only are not prepared for death and its consequences. Death is an appointment that none can escape as the author of Hebrews points out. “It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Our Lord tells us that hell, the everlasting fire, is “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Though Satan, the devil, is inescapably assigned to suffer eternally there, man can avoid its torment. Each individual must choose. Jesus Christ offers life, the forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven to those who will receive it. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). What will you do with Jesus?

Joy in Heaven

Jesus was the Master Teacher who taught everywhere he went. He taught in the synagogues, in the countryside, in a boat, in private homes. Wherever and whenever the opportunity arose, he set forth the wonderful words of life,  condemning sin against the backdrop of forgiveness promised to those who repent. He made plain the commandments of God by calling out hypocrisy yet revealing God’s mercy to those who come to him in simple faith. Yes, he was the Master Teacher and “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).

Jesus was not just the Master Teacher, but he was an exceedingly popular Teacher. The Scriptures tell us that “the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about” (Luke 4:37) and “the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). But not everyone looked favorably on him.

On one occasion there “drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him” (Luke 15:1). Publicans were Jews who served as tax collectors for the Roman government and usually made themselves rich at the expense of their Jewish brethren. Consequently, they were much despised by their countrymen. And so “the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:2).

Our Lord used this opportunity to teach of God’s great love for sinners. “And he spake this parable unto them [the Pharisees and scribes], saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over the ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:3-7).

The Pharisees and scribes found fault with Jesus for “receiving sinners and eating with them.” These men were filled with a self-righteousness that had no merit before God. They saw themselves as blameless before the law, but in reality, they were blind to their true condition before God. They would count themselves as those in Christ’s parable “which need no repentance.” Those who cannot see their own sin will never repent, yet Jesus warned “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

The message of the gospel is for sinners, those who see and acknowledge their sin before God. These are the ones whom our Savior is seeking for he proclaimed, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Our Lord is still seeking sinners. He promises forgiveness to those who repent and trust in his shed blood for their sin. Salvation is of the Lord, and he delights in one lost sinner who repents and comes to him. Is there joy in heaven because you have repented?

God’s Purpose for Me

What is my purpose in life? Why am I here? Oftentimes our lives are so consumed with making a living that we don’t take the time to address these larger, more important questions. The Holy Scriptures are faithful to guide us in these matters. The Apostle John informs us “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). You and I are included in “all things” created by God. Consequently, the Apostle Paul concludes “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).

What does it mean then to glorify God? For one thing, God is glorified by our good works. Jesus testified to this when he commanded “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16; emphasis added). Peter spoke similarly when he wrote to believers scattered throughout various provinces of the Roman Empire. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; have your conversation [manner of life] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they should behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (I Peter 2:11-12; emphasis added).

The Scriptures teach us that we cannot do these good works apart from knowing Christ as our Savior for “there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12). The good works that Jesus and Peter spoke of are born out of a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul teaches us that they are the very product of our salvation in Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10; emphasis added). This teaches us that our works do not save us. Instead, Christ’s work on the cross is that which save us and produces in us the good works that Jesus commends.

Walking in the revealed will of God, that which he has ordained, results in good works that glorify God. These works glorify God because they perfect his image in us, his children. Just as our own children bear our likeness, we take on as God’s dear children born of His Spirit his image when we walk in his will. This glorifies God and he delights in his image renewed and made increasingly manifest in his children.

We were created to glorify God. We will not know true contentment, satisfaction, and joy until we fulfill our purpose. How do you see your purpose? Do you see it through the lens of Scripture and God’s revelation? God’s intended purpose for you is good for “the LORD is good to all” (Psalm 145:9). James reminds us that God himself is the very Source of all goodness “for every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17; emphasis added).

Pursuing his glory begins with faith in Christ Jesus. From there “Thou will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

God’s Command to Hear

The New Testament enjoins its readers, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear…” on fifteen occasions. (Three times in the Gospel of Matthew; three times in the Gospel of Mark; two times in the Gospel of Luke; and, eight times in the book of Revelation.) The urging amounts to an earnest invitation to pay heed to what is being said and to heed means to do. Submitting to its teaching is right for the Bible is like no other book. It is Divine in its origin and, consequently, essential to life in a world made dark by sin. We disregard its teachings and admonitions at our own peril.

Jesus expanded on this injunction to hear in his teaching commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 7:47-49). It is evident that in order to benefit from hearing, we are required to respond with obedience.

Jame’s Epistle confirms the connection between obedience and blessing. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For is any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass [mirror]: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway [immediately] forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty [the Scriptures], and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25).

God has not given his word to us as “recommendations” nor “suggested guidelines” to consider as we see fit. Rather, they constitute his self-revelation and are imperative for a right relationship to him and a right walk in this world. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect [mature], thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Paul told Timothy in that same epistle that the “scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). This salvation begins with hearing, even as Jesus taught. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24).

How about you? Do you hear the word of God and recognize its authority? Can you say with the Psalmist “I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:127-128).