Be Informed

God has revealed Himself to us through the written Word.  In II Timothy 3:16-17, Paul explains to Timothy that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV).

There is more to these two verses than first meets the eye.  As a Christian, I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, so the first part of the first verse is easy to digest.  The rest is a short list of ways to apply the Scripture that you learn, and what man of God wouldn't want to be "thoroughly equipped for every good work?"  The something more is hidden in the middle of these two verses.

When Paul suggests that Scripture is useful for "training in righteousness,"  there is a subtle warning that is easy to miss.  We have to ask ourselves, "So what if I'm not using Scripture?"  Paul is well aware that there are only two alternatives in this world, either righteousness or unrighteousness.  Either you choose to follow God or you choose to follow Satan.  There is no gray area, no fence-sitting, and in fact, the lack of a decision can actually in itself be a decision.  Paul is encouraging each person who claims to be a follower of God to experience Scripture in their own life.

If you claim to follow God, then experience Scripture.  Choose to be thoroughly equipped for "every good work" because God has given us the Scriptures to improve our lives.  He provides Laws (The Ten Commandments) but also lots of useful suggestions for a happier life such as Matthew 10:42 which says, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward" (NIV).  God knows that we will find fulfillment in our lives through serving others and showing them His love.

Study and internalize God's Word, apply it to your life, and experience the blessings that He has planned for you.  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (II Timothy 2:15, KJV).  Psalm 119:105 adds, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (NIV).  Illuminate your path today and discover God's plan for your life!!!!