I
want you to do something for me. Are you ready? You’ll need your Bible. I want
you to turn to Revelation chapter 2. Now count how many times you read the word
“hear.” I’ll wait...
You
should come up with four times. It is mentioned in the phrase, “He that hath an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” In one chapter this
phrase is repeated four times. We should pay close attention to everything the
Bible says, but I believe when God repeats something it merits extra attention.
In Revelation 2, this phrase is repeated to four of the seven churches
entreating them to change their wrongdoings. As God’s children, he wants us to
listen to what the Spirit has to say in order to avoid some of the same
mistakes those in the first century church were making such as apathy,
carelessness, forgetfulness, and complacency.
We are warned to “Be not weary
in well doing” (Gal. 6:9) and to take heed lest we fall (1Cor. 10:12). Paul, in
his letters, repeatedly used the words, “Bring to remembrance” because he along
with Peter realized how easily we forget things (2Pet. 1:9). One of the devil’s
greatest tools is distraction. Think about it. How much time do you give to the
Lord in proportion to other things? We are quick to allow all sorts of other activities
to fill our schedules until we feel that we just do not have the time to devote
to our Lord. We might make it to church on Sunday and Wednesday. We may spend a
great deal of time in prayer, but we fail to listen to what the Lord has to say
to us. It’s a one-sided relationship.
Bible study is so often treated
with the attitude of “Well, it’s
great if you have the time for it.” The reality is that Bible study is
something every Christian must make time for. It is the only thing that will
allow us to remember, to be watchful, to be strengthened & aware of the
dependency we have on Christ. We must hold ourselves accountable using whatever
means necessary. Leave your Bible on your bed or kitchen table to remind
yourself to study each day. Write a reminder and stick it to your fridge. Ask a
friend to ask you each day if you have spent any time in Bible study. Use
social media to share your study in a humble manner. The list goes on and on.
It is something we can do…if we really want to.