I have more understanding than the elders,
Psalm 119:100 NIV
for I obey your precepts.
I believe that there is a very important principle hidden in this verse. One that I have experienced in my own life many times. Not that I have found myself with more understanding than my elders. But that obedience is essential for continuing to grow in God’s word and understanding his message to me in it.
I always have, at least as a believer, invested regular time in the Bible. And most of those years, I have been a teacher, instructing others on what the Bible says. But I cannot honestly say that I have always lived in obedience to its teachings. I found, though, that when my life was not conforming to what I was reading, my understanding of its message was not growing. And all too often, I would find the words I was reading were little more than words on a page.
But when I have taken the time to meditate on God’s word to me in the Bible, and commit myself to live in obedience to it, I am able to understand more and more of it; obedience leads to understanding. There is still much that I do not yet understand. But as I spend time in the word, meditating on it and following its teachings, I find that it is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Ps. 119:105). And that it guides me ever deeper in understanding and knowing God and his purpose for me.
As James said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Jas. 1:22).
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Disclaimer
The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.
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