The Living and Abiding Word of God

Knowledge.

Growing up in the church, I am vehemently convinced we don't hold it. And should we grasp it, dare I say, it is most assuredly more times than not out of selfish legalism and a desire to look better than the guy sitting next to us in the pew.

Sure. We know the lyrics to our favorite songs, and the statistics inning by inning of the Ranger game from last night. We know who does what, who says what, and who is dating who according to Facebook. We know where the cheapest gas is, and we seek in all things to remain a knowledgeable, cognizant citizens of the world.

Yet.

Do we KNOW the Word?

"..you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the LIVING and ABIDING word of God." (1st Peter 1:23 ESV)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

We are advocates of education and academia. We pursue knowledge pertaining to self-improvement and a better home life. We want to learn the things of the world, while we ignore his book which gets some attention Sunday mornings, should we choose to bless him. How ignorant. How foolish. I can often fall into this category seeking the knowledge of the world and the things he has created before seeking the Creator himself.

"Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge..." (Isaiah 5:13 ESV)

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6 ESV)

"...and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:19 ESV)

Should you be a skeptic, then my charge is to give the Word a chance. Most likely you've sought the things of the world for your answers, and found them lacking. You've bought things, and gone places, and sought the creation while the Creator stands with open hands. His Word holds your answers, and I dare you to have the intellectual integrity to test me. The book of John, in my humble opinion, is a fantastic place to start.

Should you be a believer, then know his word, and preach it through action. We see through his word that the lack of knowledge destroys nations, and that love surpasses knowledge. Knowledge was never meant to simply be held, but to be acted upon. Read, know, memorize and breathe the word of God in such a way that it's implications drive you to nothing less than a grace driven effort.

May the Word move in you, and through you.

To Him be the glory,

-Matt Allen