Understanding the Bible has two basic parts: The Creator who communicates, and creatures to whom His words are directed. However, we, the creatures, can make choices all along the way. Have we any interest? If interested, will we seek His intended meaning or will we ‘interpret’ His words to suit ourselves? If we understand God, will we believe Him? Will we submit to His will? Each answer depends on the heart.
Jesus makes our highest priority to love God with our entire being: heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:29-30). “Mind” includes thought, memory, reason and “understanding” (Mark 12:33). “Heart” includes motives, emotions, desires, will and choice. Why is such complete love for God so supremely important? First, to honor our Creator for who He is and for what we owe Him. Then, to receive His blessings for our well-being (Deuteronomy 6:5, 24; 7:13; James 1:25).
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
We, like Adam and Eve, have entered a spiritual war zone (Ephesians 6:10-18). God’s chief enemy is Satan who first appeared as a snake (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9). He cannot attack God directly, so He attacks God’s creatures, using lies to destroy them. “He was a murderer from the beginning…. He is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Picture a fortified city under siege. Protecting walls surround the city. But the defenders stupidly leave one gate open. The strong walls then mean nothing, for invading soldiers pour through that unguarded opening. Be assured, Satan is clever and will exploit any gap you leave in your commitment to
God and His truth.
I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Here is a warning not to repeat past mistakes. Do you believe you are God’s special creature, made to be loved and to love? Then be assured that His promise to honest seekers never fails.
You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
[Jesus said,] “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority.” (John 7:17)
[Jesus said,] “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“Everyone” includes you and me. Let us choose life while we have opportunity (Isaiah 55:6). Yes, His greatness and His thoughts are “unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 40:28; 55:9; Romans 11:33). Yet, the high King of heaven has
chosen to communicate with us at our level of understanding. Choose to know Him through His words! As Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).