The Scrutiny of the Word

Are you willing to face the scrutiny of the Word of God? For many, they approach the Holy Scriptures in a similar fashion as they listen to the news – in merely sound-bites and snippets. They read the Bible with shallow deference, only giving attention those things that will “tickle the ears” (see 2 Timothy 4:3). They only value the Bible for that which they already agree with or have grown accustomed to, not knowing that God is speaking in deep tones and powerful volumes.

But the Word of God is more than the tome of information that can garner a Sunday school lesson or a sermon point. God’s word is a mirror – giving a clear and potent image of the reality of life. It shows all the marks of failure, all the sins and all the damage of the human condition. This is the point where people get scared of God’s Word because it is relentless in its scrutiny. It does not give quarter; it will not muddy the waters or fail to expose the truth.

So, I ask you again, are you willing to face the scrutiny of the Word of God? Remember what Hebrews 4:13 says, “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Do you love others the way God requires that you love? 1 Corinthians 13 exposes it. Do you forgive as you have been forgiven? Matthew 18 demands it. Are you sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as you have received it? Acts 1 expects it. In every aspect of life, the Word of God will stand as judge over every thought and every attitude.

So, do as James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

I challenge you to stand in the light of God’s Word. It might hurt. Let it scrutinize you and reflect back to you the very truth of your life. It could be painful. But the hurt and pain are the tools of God’s Spirit to bring you to repentance and restoration. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Humbly acknowledge the truth and know that as you stand and look at the mirror of the Word, it gives you the clearest view of your life.