Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?” James 4:5 NKJV
When I read this verse, I was struck by the question James asks here. Do you think the Scripture says in vain…?
As a child, I was often told we should never use God’s name in vain. The term “in vain” refers to doing something unsuccessfully or without result. We should have a reverential awe of God and His names. His names should be used when we earnestly cry out to Him for help or when we are calling out to Him to worship and praise Him.
And what about Scripture? If we don’t study it, it produces no result in our lives.
As you begin to read and study God’s word, you will see that Scripture validates Scripture. As a matter of fact, the Bible has many verses about Scripture itself. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Romans 12:14 says the Bible is our instruction manual for living in a way that pleases God and gives us endurance and hope.
We develop faith by the reading of His Word. His Word teaches us how much He loves us? It teaches us to trust in Him.
Do you know what He expects of you? Do you know the 10 commandments? If not, you can find them in Exodus chapter 20. When Jesus was tested and asked which was the greatest commandment, do you know what His answer was? You can find that in Matthew 22:37-39. Do you know the one and only way to get to heaven? You can find that in John 14:6.
We waste time on things like television and social media while our Bible lays on a table collecting dust. I can assure you when you face God at judgment there will be no questions about who was doing what on social media. He might, however, question you as to why you devoted so much time to things that were passing away and not so much time to something that lasts forever.
I’m not saying we should never watch television or look at social media, but we should put God’s word first. We should devote time to studying it each and every day.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
His word is what we need to meditate on night and day. The Israelites were instructed to always be mindful of God’s Word. It says in Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Now if you had studied His Word, you would know that Israelites were not obedient. They did not do as they were told in Joshua 1:8 and it did not go well for them. But you can read all about throughout the Old Testament.
God’s Word lights our way. David said in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”
If you aren’t studying God’s Word, it can have no effect on how you are living your life. If we study His Word, we live His Word, it produces good results. God’s word will not be in vain. God said in Isaiah 55:11, “so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”
Getting to heaven is not about religion it’s about the relationship we have with our Lord and Savior. You can’t have a relationship with someone if you are not willing to listen to what they say. Are you listening to God by studying His Word?
Have a great day!