Loving God's Word

 October 18, 2024

Friday

I heard a guy say that one of his hobbies was golf when I knew he had only played golf once in his life. I don't think doing something one time makes it a hobby. A hobby is something that you carve out time for. It is something you love.

I hear people talk about how much they love God's word when their lives do not reflect it. They don't bring a Bible to church with them. They don't speak of biblical things. They seem to be clueless when a Bible story is referred to. I don't think they love the Bible like they say they do.

People say what they think will enhance their status with others. It doesn't matter if it is patriotism, hard work or telling their mommas that they are loved. They will say they do things a whole lot more than they actually do them if they think that others will esteem them or include them because of it. Something tells me that they won't say how much they love the Bible in a secular group that doesn't attend church. 

If you love God's word, you will read, study, memorize, meditate and apply it to your life. Your life will reflect someone who loves God's word. You will have treasured it, stored it away for times it is needed and kept it safe in your heart. It will become your stability in refuting the arguments of non-believers. It will be your encouragement when things go bad. It will be you teacher when you need to know how to do something. It will be your rod of discipline when you get out of line. It will change your mind from one being conformed to the worldly thinking to being transformed to know the will of God.

Psalm 119:11 (NASB 2020) I have treasured Your word in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) ¹¹  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV) ¹¹  I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

So, which translation is right? Is the Bible to be treasured, hidden or stored in your heart? The answer is: 

All three!