Spiritual Discipline: The Word
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Tim 3:16-17)
If you want to be excellent at something, don’t just try, train instead. The need for training discipline cannot be overemphasized. Discipline is something we can do that enables us to do what we haven’t yet been able to do by our own direct effort. The wonders of great athletes, musicians, plumbers, accountants and artists – their stunning performance are largely a result of discipline. As Christians, effective growth and productivity cannot be achieved without embracing the disciplines of abstinence (Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath) and the disciplines of engagement (Bible Study, Worship, Prayer, and Service).
The need for the discipline of the Word has been well articulated by the Hand Illustration, encouraging us to Hear, Read, Study, Memorize and Meditate in order to grasp the Word of God firmly. With each finger on the hand representing one aspect, it is easy to notice that a person who only hears or only hear and reads is like one trying to hold something with one or two fingers – there is no grip, and soon the object fall off. For a full grasp, all the four fingers and thumb are required – and you can run and jump and turn around, and the grip will still be sufficient. That is what the world does to us; there are many things to shake you and if you are to remain firm in the Scriptures, then do all the five regularly: Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, and Meditate.
Bearing fruit continually is the ultimate result of one who has grasped the Word: Paul tells Timothy as quoted above that with Scripture, a servant of God is thoroughly equipped for every good work. Paul’s own experience was a result of this very discipline and the evidence in his letters is overwhelming – contending with philosophers, breaking and reaching new lands with the gospel, enduring hardships and witnessing for Christ even there, writing powerful exhortations that have blessed generations – all his fruitfulness can be traced in His love and practice of the discipline of the Word. Jesus himself condemns unfruitfulness in the parable of the vine (Luke 13), but quickly showed his fruitfulness as he endured hardships and opposition, delivered powerful teachings to his listeners, and brought healing of body and soul to many.
The Word of God imparts holistic knowledge, understanding and wisdom, necessary for life here on earth and life eternal. Embrace this important discipline of engagement and your life will be thoroughly nourished and regularly revitalized for every good work.
God bless you as you all.