Where’s the Application? (KWUA part 4)

    These last few weeks I have broken down knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. It has been a series of concepts that are like tools to be used accordingly. This brings me to the last topic in the series - application. Knowing, understanding are wisdom nothing unless applied to one’s life. There are scriptures about all these things and they are to be intentionally. 

    I have found that it is easier to know something than it is to do something. Applying the truth of God’s Word to one’s life requires a willingness and obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 says that obedience is better than sacrifice. King Saul was a perfect example of knowing, but failing to apply what he knew. God instructed him to destroy everything in a battle waged against some enemies. The problem was that when Saul got over there he decided to do what he wanted, which was to take the choice of animals, gold, silver and other spoils to keep for himself. God took issue with his disregard of instruction. The items he took were already dedicated to false gods and the Almighty God had no interest in those items. Another point of contention between King Saul’s decision and God’s instructions was Saul’s pride. God was not pleased with Saul’s lack of humility. It was the Prophet Samuel that spoke to King Saul on God’s behalf to let him know that he was in direct rebellion to God’s commands. The blatant disrespect caused him to lose favor with God and the throne. 

    I mention this story to drive home the matter that God is looking at the hearts of all mankind. He is looking especially at those of us who claim to know Him. He looks at those that do not take God’s word of knowledge and wisdom even when we understand it and apply it to our lives. God notices it all. His eyes are in every place watching the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3) James 1:22, cautions us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. It is considered sin to know to do good and not do it. (James 4:17) We can no longer ignore what we know as facts about God’s Word and act as though there will not be consequences to our lack of action. We can no longer make excuses because we know better. It is time to do better.
 
    As I write this, I am impassioned to charge everyone reading this to consider the value in using the resources available in God’s Word for victory in our lives daily. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), but this should not be used in terms of a flippant attitude towards the statues of God. He tells us to be holy as He is holy. (1 Pet.1:15-16). We ought to strive to know Him and be like Him regularly. Obviously, this is not in our own strength, but in the power of Christ’s resurrection. (Phil.3:10) All God wants is a desire from us to know Him, understand and then dedicate it to our lives consistently. He wants us to consider His greatness when we make decisions and implement our plans. All this comes back to reverence. When there is honor there is a level of respect that comes into what is said and done in relation to whatever we hold in highest regard. Do we treasure God the way we should? For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) 
It is time to search our hearts and reckon whether or not God is our priority. If we fail to devote works to our faith then our faith will surely die. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:17) It is about a heart condition that is postured to do what is right as the conception of the truth has been shared. No more excuses, it is time to commit the knowledge, wisdom and comprehension to our lives through the Holy Spirit. I will leave you with this thought: are you willing to let your light shine before others so that they can see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven? (Matthew 5:16) Application brings those who didn’t believe into a place of belief. Glorify God in your mortal bodies today. (1 Cor. 6:20) God wants to see obedience in our lives. 

Let’s pray: Lord, today I choose to apply the precepts of Your Word to my life. I dedicate myself to being a doer of Your Word and not a hearer only. I commit the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that I have obtained to actively living it. My life is Yours. I profess with my actions to live for You alone. I ask that you forgive me for placing my own desires before You. You are the Lord of my life. My heart is postured to walk in Your righteousness. Holy Spirit, have Your way. Lead and guide me in the direction you want me to go. I am listening and willing to obey. Thank you Lord that today I can start fresh. I pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Savior this is the time. If you have once walked with God, but you have strayed away, here is your moment. There will never be a more ideal time than now to surrender your life to the One who loves you most. He wants to call you out of darkness into His marvelous light. No strings attached. No hidden motives. He just wants a relationship with you. If this is you please say the prayer below. 

Sinner’s Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross just for me. I also confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that He rose again on the 3rd day, paying my sin debt in full. He is now seated at the right hand of power, interceding for me to the Father. I thank You, Jesus, that as I pray this prayer and believe with my heart that You have saved me. I receive Your love and commit my life to You. You are now the Lord of my life. Thank You for all that You have done and will do for me in the future. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 15:22, Proverbs 15:3, James 1:22, James 4:17, Rom. 3:23, 1 Pet.1:15-16, Phil.3:10, Matthew 6:21, James 2:17,  Matthew 5:16, 1 Cor. 6:20 - All scriptures in KJV unless otherwise listed.

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