Eternal Value

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [II Timothy 1.5-7]

"Fan into flames" and "self-discipline" are a couple of phrases worthy of attention today. It is my belief that both of these phrases can be directly associated to the Word of God. Why? Because ONLY the Word can DO anything in or through us. Paul speaks of a spiritual gift given to Timothy - was it salvation? It was certainly nothing Timothy earned or worked for, however it does appear to need "fanning" and "self-discipline" to grow and have positive effect. So it is the God's Word - it does no good unless it is applied to (fanned with self-discipline into) our lives.

How then do we become faithful soldiers of the cross? Through the Word. How then do we effectively become one with our spouse? Through the Word. How then do we become good or better parents? Through the Word. How then do we become more patriotic citizens? Through the Word. How then do we join the body of Christ in unity? Through the Word!

We need to "fan into flame" with "self-discipline" the Word in our lives by first READING the Word, then RESPONDING to the Word, and finally, RELATING the Word. We will accomplish nothing of eternal value apart from the Word.

We will accomplish nothing of eternal value (be a true believer) apart from the Word.

We will accomplish nothing of eternal value (having oneness with our spouse) apart from the Word.

We will accomplish nothing of eternal value (being an effective parent) apart from the Word.

We will accomplish nothing of eternal value (as a participating citizen) apart from the Word.

We will accomplish nothing of eternal value (in unity with other believers) apart from the Word.

NOTHING is more important that our relationship with God and His Word because NOTHING is of any value without God and His Word.

Father, I need Your Word. Feed me. Change me. Help me to progressively comprehend the eternal value of Your Word in every aspect of my life!