Knowing where to obtain knowledge, and how to apply it, is a characteristic of many successful men and women. Many learners spend countless hours in search of worldly knowledge—however, the same cannot be said when it comes to seeking and acquiring the Word of God, and how to apply it truthfully in their lives. The psalmist, recognizing the need to draw near to God, penned, “Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes” (Psalm 119:5). He recognized he was nothing without God. David also knew God always provided a way to access His great love and mercy. This prompted him to compose, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Walking in God’s light became his life-long pursuit. This pursuit led him to think on his ways and turn his feet toward God (Psalm 119:59). There are other ways, which seem to lead to spiritual prosperity, but their “…end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25).
Having received the Gospel from Jesus, the apostle Paul knew obeying it was the only way to receive the promises of God. This led him to boldly proclaim he was not “…ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Wanting the brethren at Corinth to test themselves utilizing only the Word of God, Paul proclaimed: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Before eating the supper on the first day of the week, they were to make certain they were in the love of God—that is, all is well with their souls.
Testing themselves, Disciples of Christ must not compare themselves with other Christians, but check their own behavior with the Word of God. The apostle Paul affirmed this truth when he penned “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Since Saints are responsible for their own behavior, they must not seek to justify their behavior with the behavior of others. This can only lead to frustration, as measuring up to someone else may not be possible. It might also limit one’s growth, as one’s dominate thought might well be, “I’m as good as so and so”. Living in a world that constantly bombards us with misinformation concerning spiritual needs and applications, our daily focus must first and foremost be riveted on serving God by abiding in His Word. This can only be accomplished by “…walking in the light as He is in the light…” (1 John 1:7).
Like David, we must daily think on our ways and turn our feet toward Him (Psalms 119:59).