I Need To Study It

Today during my devotion time I was reading Exodus chapter 20 when God gave the 10 commandments. I grew up reading the King James Version of the Bible and always took everything at face value. When I got to the 3rd Commandment (verse 7) I had to re-evaluate my way of talking. It all became pretty convicting as I read it in other translations: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…” (NIV); “No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter…” (The Message); “You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently…” (TLB).

So often people use Jesus’ name so casually – like it isn’t something special. I’ve been very guilty, myself. Today, I had to repent. His name is holy. His name is powerful. I will not behave as though my salvation gives me license to use the name of my savior casually. I will respect His name. That’s my conviction.

You see, I’ve been the victim of my own biblical laziness. I’ve been the person sitting blindly in the pew – not able to discern whether the person in the pulpit was preaching accurately or not. But after having my life negatively impacted by non-biblical doctrine a few times, I am now committed to studying the bible for my self and ensuring that I am living according to what the bible says.

One of my friends once said to me that he believes that, when he goes to church, the role of the minister is to confirm the word of God that he has been reading all week. I believe that God will hold each of us responsible for our lives being lived according to His word. Since I am responsible for living it, I’m going to study it for myself. I have 8 bible translations, a concordance, bible dictionaries and other study aids. Why? Because I really need to know what this book says to Michael. I really want to make it to Heaven when this life is over. Since the bible is my roadmap – I need to study it. I can’t just trust someone else at the wheel. I need to read the map myself. And, by the way, I have a wonderful pastor who does confirm the word of God to me every week. He’s accurate – and I can say that because I study what he preaches.