Reminding!

"Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:14,15 NIV).

What things should we remind people to do?

We should act in accordance to all God has said and model our behavior after Him who came to show us the way. We must endure--stand firm on The Word--and never back down--when the enemy strikes envy and hatred into the hearts of those who either doubt or don't know God and how He wants us to live. We must be faithful--to Him--not necessarily man/woman--in all things. Just He is faithful to us, we must be faithful to Him, knowing it is He who holds our eternal awards.

The only way we can present ourselves to God and get His approval for what we do, is to do all things according to His Word. If we do not know His Word, we cannot live according to His Word. We must study The Word--not just read it--in order to understand what God is saying and so we'll be able to share it with others--with clear understanding and never be ashamed for our lack of understanding.

There are those who think that because they quote scripture--chapter and verse--that are superior to everyone else. It would be absolutely wonderful if they also understood what the scriptures meant--the context in which things were said, when it was said, to whom it was said, who said it, and the purpose for which it was said.

When we understand The Word, then and only then can we correctly share our understanding with others.

When we understand The Word, we know that we should never get into arguments with others about our understanding. God reveals understanding of His Word to those who will receive it and not just to those who think their educational experience gives them an edge. If we have not the Spirit of God living within us, no amount of "formal education" will reveal to us the truth of God's Word for our lives and we certainly won't be able to share it accurately with others.

So, it is not just having a remarkable memory of The Word that means much--it is our understanding of The Word, our living The Word, and our ability in sharing The Word with others and bringing them into right relationship with God that matters.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to open ourselves to hear You and receive understanding from You so we will not mislead people, teaching inaccurate understanding of Your Word. Remind us daily, by Holy Spirit, how we are to live that honors You!