My Attitude Toward God's Word

In the times in which we are living there seems to be a growing disregard for absolute standards. Everyone seems to do what they want to do. How does this mind set fit the Believer who is obligated to obey God's Word? Let each of us examine our own attitude toward the Word of God as we examine what the Lord requires of us as His children.

The first step we need to take is to evaluate our attitude toward God Himself. One's attitude toward God will have a great influence on the degree of obedience to His Word. In Deuteronomy God is renewing His covenant with Israel before they enter the Land of Canaan. In chapter 6:4-6 He states who He is and the love His people are to have for Him. We are to love the LORD our God "with all your heart," which means all our mind and will; "with all your soul" which means all our life and passion; and "with all your might" which means to the highest degree. Every part of our lives should be a demonstration of our love for the LORD. Jesus gives the same instructions to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:34-37. This section closes with "These words I command you today shall be your heart." This is a very strong truth reminding us that God's word is to be the top priority in our life.

The next step is to examine the relationship we have with the LORD. In Deuteronomy 27:6-7 Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings are made to the LORD. The Burnt Offering symbolizes complete commitment to the LORD. The Peace Offering symbolizes a proper relationship with the LORD. I must ask myself, "What effort am I putting into my relationship with LORD?" Am I "quenching" or "grieving" the Holy Spirit as opposed "to walking in the Spirit?" An ongoing close relationship with the LORD means I am striving to be obedient to His Word.

The last step in this process of my attitude toward God's Word is described in Deuteronomy 27:9-10. Moses instructed the people of God "Keep silent and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the LORD your God." It is imperative for me to reflect on the truth that since Jesus is my savior then I am God's child. As a result of being God's child then I "will obey the voice of the LORD your God." Is obeying my LORD the top priority in my life?

The only way I will obey the voice of my LORD is found in John 14:15. Jesus clearly teaches "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." If I am not keeping the commandments of my LORD then I do not love Him as much as I think I do. If this is true then I need to consider seriously Mark 8:34-37. I am more in love with myself than with my LORD since I am not denying myself and following my LORD.

The degree of obeying the voice of my LORD is directly related to the degree that I love Him. May each of us be still and seriously evaluate our love for our LORD and see where I am lacking in showing Him my love.