All Scripture [Bible] is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

By Scott Schuler

What are the things that we’ve pursued with commitment that prepared us for our future?

We met almost every Monday evening for two years. Thirteen business professionals from various career fields – engineers, marketing professionals, church leaders, small business owners and me, a shopping center mall manager – had one common purpose, to obtain our MBA.

Our professor provided practical, industry-tested material and taught us how to apply these fundamentals in our own professions. As they challenged us to work together in teams through accounting, finance, leadership, marketing, operating procedures and vision casting, we found that we not only learned from them, but each other.

My MBA experience reminds me how I see the Church operating successfully when it is built upon on God’s Word. Because the material we learned was true and tested, it was useful individually and collectively.

We were strengthened by working together and applying the laws of each subject.

Doesn’t this principle hold true when we, as the Church, study God’s Word together and apply the message in our lives – in our relationships with Jesus, family, co-workers and friends? Beginning with All Scripture is breathed out by God, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 assures us that everything God spoke to the 40 authors who wrote the 66 books in the Bible over approximately 1,500 years, came from Him. All – everything!

Therefore everything in the Bible is to teach, reproof, correct and train us.

Timothy, who was a student of the Apostle Paul, helps us understand that, in everything we do, if our hearts are right with God, He is leading us; if our beliefs are contrary to the Bible, He corrects us; and when we truly want to know and walk with Jesus, He guides us.

Early in my walk with Jesus, my intellectualism often got in the way. I would set out to find the hidden meanings of scripture, rather than reading the Word and allowing God to speak to me in His timing.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word [Bible] of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Simply put, God loves us and truly wants the best for our daily walk with Him. Our responsibility is to live according to God’s Word if we desire to experience Him and live out the purpose for our existence. What does it mean to live according to God’s Word?

God’s Word should be our plumb line.

The prophet Amos provides a literal instrument of measurement for this, “This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand” (7:7 ESV). Every decision we make, the emotions we entertain, and situations we encounter should be evaluated by God’s Truth, His plumb line.

How is this possible? By reading God’s Word to learn how to respond to everything in our lives. It takes time to learn God’s Word. But, as my dad always said, anything worth doing takes time and commitment.

How can we make God’s Word applicable in our daily walk with Him? Share examples of what you learned below.

---