Attention to God’s Word: A Path to Wisdom and Understanding

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we emphasize the importance of paying attention to God’s Word. As Jim highlighted in his sermon, “Put our hope and our trust in the Lord each and every day in what we do. Therefore, we need to understand what God is saying to us through these pages. And it’s vital that we get that.”

The Importance of Paying Attention

Proverbs 4:20-21 instructs us, “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.” Paying attention to God’s Word is crucial for our spiritual growth and understanding. It requires intentionality and focus.

Listening to God’s Word

Jim shared a personal anecdote about the importance of paying attention. “I know as a kid somebody would say to me, ‘Hey, you need to pay attention.’ And I go, sometimes I’d go, ‘Why?’ You know, that doesn’t go very well. Other times I would do that in the classroom, and somebody said, ‘Jimmy, you need to pay attention.’ And I was like, ‘Jimmy doesn’t want to pay attention.'”

This resonates with many of us. We often get distracted and fail to give God’s Word the attention it deserves. Yet, Proverbs 2:2-5 reminds us, “Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

Biblical Examples of Paying Attention

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who paid attention to God’s Word and experienced His guidance and blessings. One such example is Samuel. In 1 Samuel 3, we read about how the young Samuel heard God’s voice calling him in the night. Despite initially mistaking it for Eli’s voice, Samuel eventually responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel’s attentiveness to God’s voice led to his role as a prophet and judge over Israel.

Another example is Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1:26-38, we read about the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Despite her initial fear and confusion, Mary paid attention to the angel’s message and responded with faith, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary’s attentiveness and obedience to God’s Word played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.

Study, Share, Serve

Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We achieve this through “Just 3” principles: Study, Share, and Serve.

1. Study: To love and know God. Studying God’s Word is essential for understanding His will. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” By studying Scripture, we gain the wisdom and guidance needed for our daily lives.
2. Share: To know and love others. Sharing God’s Word helps others grow in their faith. Colossians 3:16 encourages us, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
3. Serve: Love in action. Serving others is a practical way to live out our faith. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Through service, we demonstrate God’s love and make a difference in the lives of others.

Applying God’s Word

Jim’s sermon emphasizes the need to apply God’s Word to our lives. “We put our hope and our trust in the Lord each and every day in what we do. Therefore, we need to understand what God is saying to us through these pages, and it’s vital that we get that.”

Applying God’s Word involves more than just reading it; it requires living it out. James 1:22-25 instructs us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

Practical Steps to Pay Attention

1. Daily Bible Reading: Set aside time each day to read and meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 119:97 says, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” Consistent Bible reading helps us stay connected to God’s voice and guidance.
2. Prayerful Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to open your heart and mind to His Word. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Prayerful reflection helps us internalize and apply God’s Word to our lives.
3. Scripture Memorization: Commit key verses to memory. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Memorizing Scripture helps us recall God’s promises and guidance in times of need.
4. Engage in Bible Study: Join a Bible study group or attend church classes. Acts 17:11 commends the Berean Jews for their diligence in studying the Scriptures: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Engaging in Bible study with others helps deepen our understanding and application of God’s Word.

Conclusion

As we strive to pay attention to God’s Word, let us remember the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By focusing on the principles of Study, Share, and Serve, we can grow in wisdom and understanding, and truly “Be the Change” that Jesus has called us to be.