Monday, April 08, 2013

Instructions for the Truth - Do Not Dilute


Most everything we use for cleaning supplies is now only available in concentrated versions.  Sometimes it seems so thick that I get to thinking it must be too strong. The consistency just seems that it will be too harsh or that it needs a little thinning. Concentrated detergent requires me to use just a little bit, when back in the day we’d use a full cup of it to clean a tub full of laundry. 

Other times when I’m almost out of shampoo, I may add a little water to get the most use out of the bottle.  It still lathers up, maybe even better, but it’s diluted.  

While I am tempted to dilute the consistency of these products, I have to ask myself if it cleans as well.  It may go further, it may cost less, but when it comes down to it, I am shortchanging myself because it just doesn’t clean as well. It won’t do its job the way it’s supposed to if I dilute it.  No money saved at all if I have to wash twice to get the desired effect.

The consistency of the Word of God is important as well.  Dilute it down and you will lose the true meaning and intent.  If you add anything to the Word, which is the Truth, you will get poor results. Add man’s thinking and you get half truths. They sound good, they look great, but they don’t achieve the right results. It is the undiluted Word of God that makes for salvation, righteousness, sanctification and glorification, without these ingredients you cannot see God.

Have you been tempted to dilute God’s Word in order to make friends, influence people or keep the peace?  You’ve heard people say that the Bible is too strict, narrow-minded and old fashioned.  So you’ve tried thinning it down, making it more palatable to see if more people might be interested. It could be that your grown children, who were raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord are now saying you’re too strict, too biased, only for old people.  It may be that even those who say they belong to God are wanting to have the Word delivered to them their way  - a way that won’t require them to quit compromising and living like the world.

Oh beloved, you are blessed beyond measure! Not only has God given you salvation, He has given you His Word so that you will be able to live in its light. You don’t have to wander around in the dark, wondering what to do, where to go or how to live.  Every Word of God is your way to profit, your path to success and your reason for living. Every precept is the way for you to find strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Run to His Word this morning and thank Him for the sincere milk of the Word.  His blessings are on you as you take His Word in and live it out.  Take it in beloved, live it out and thank the Lord for His magnificent gift. He loves you and He’s for you so He’s given you His wonderful Word. Believe it and watch as His will unfolds for you!

 

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Psalm 119:37  Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your word.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Psalm 19:8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

Psalm 119:89 Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.

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