Living Above the Word

How many people do you know that attend church, hear the word of God, and, yet, they live as if they had never heard a single command of God?  I bet we could all name a few.  And at times, I'm sure we have each been that person. It is easy to think that we are above the law of God at times, that it doesn't apply to us.  However, the truth is far from that...

Deuteronomy 29:19-20 - 19 It shall be when he hears the words of this curse, that he will boast, saying, 'I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart in order to [add drunkenness to thirst].  20 The Lord shall never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the Lord and His jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse which is written in this book will rest on him, and the Lord will blot our his name from under heaven.

Yeah, this verse seem a little bit intense.  But it is something we need to hear.  In a world where all to many people think they are "better" than Christianity, "better" than needing and/or listening to God, it is a shame that they have no clue what that means.

I'm betting that most Americans could quote the Lord's Prayer and John 3:16 and if not, I'm sure they know most of the 10 commandments or have at least heard something or other from the Bible.  Yet, most Americans act like those words mean nothing.  Even many of those who attend church and hear the Word spoken and explained each week, still live as if they hadn't heard a thing.

They are comfortable where they are (they have peace) and they are refusing to listen to the Word (they are walking in the stubbornness of their own hearts).  "To add drunkenness to thirst" is "a proverbial expression denoting the utmost indulgence in all sensual gratifications" (Clarke).  These people hear the Word of God, decide that sensual gratifications are better than listening, and yet they think themselves "safe from the wrath of the God of Israel" (Henry).  Unfortunately, "Those are ripe for ruin, and their is little hope of their repentance, who have made themselves believe that they shall have peace though they go in a sinful way" (Henry).

It is clear in verse 20 what will happen to such people.  Let us take a look at that again:

Deuteronomy 29:20 - The Lord shall never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the Lord and His jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse which is written in this book will rest on him, and the Lord will blot out his name from under heaven.

Makes things pretty clear doesn't it?  God expects us to listen to His Word, to actively apply it to our lives, and to obey all that it commands.  We cannot go to church on Sunday and then live Monday - Saturday as if the Word did not exist.  We are not above the Word!  We are not above God!

Today I challenge you to examine your life.  Is there an area where you believe that you are above the Word?  Are you living in such a way that you know God would disagree/disapprove?  Change that today.  Stop sinning, share His love more, give with your heart, care for the poor and needy - whatever it may be - go do it!  You cannot afford to wait.