I am a fan of both college and professional football but even if you aren’t you’ve probably heard the name “Peyton Manning.” He is the quarterback for the NFL Indianapolis Colts and arguably the best (at least one of the best) to ever play that position. The reason is because he studies the game and his opponent endlessly. He studies game film after game film, memorizes play after to play, practices relentlessly and he trains hard. In the end, on game day Sunday, he is prepared and usually picks the opposing defense apart. (I know they lost the Super Bowl this year, but hear me out)
The reason I bring this up is because of three words I said in the last sentence, “He is prepared.” How good would Peyton Manning be if he blew off studying game film, practicing, reading his play books or working on his signal calling? What if he just looked at the game plan only 1 day a week and for only an hour or so that day? Probably not that good.
So here is my question and the reason I use this analogy: How strong of a Christian do you think you can be if you only open you Bible on Sunday at church? God’s eternal Word has got to have a permanent place in our lives and in our hearts.
2 Thess 2:15 – “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
How are we to know the attacks of the enemy if we don’t read the warnings in God’s Word? Listen to what Paul says in the book of Ephesians Chapter 6:10-17
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
It is our weapon against the enemy and against the world. The world tries to conform us to its ways because “times are changing” and we need to “get with the program.” The only program we need to get with is God’s program!
I admit, times are changing but not for the better. If you want a snap shot of America today, read Romans 1:18-32. As much our society is changing and its morals declining, God’s Word remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Psalm 119:89 – “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
Isaiah 40:8 – “True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”
The question is does God’s Word “stand firm” in you?
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Get the most out of God’s Word so you can get most out of the life He has given you!
