Stay Plugged Into God's Word

Sincere love takes work; there is no doubt about that. Our sinful nature wants us to believe that it’s a lot easier to go on despising someone and holding a grudge than talking things out. It also wants us to think that our time belongs to us and we can do with it what we want – even if that means ignoring the needs of others. While sincere love takes work God has given us a tool to help us overcome our masked love. As you plug into his Word you will see how God’s sincere love moved him to send his Son to die for our sins. The more we gaze at that love, the more we will reflect that sincere love to others.

But don’t just make sure that you remained plug into God’s Word; help others stay plugged in as well. Parents and grandparents, I’m especially thinking of you. There will no doubt be some tough days when it comes to raising your children. Because of sin, which they have inherited from you, your children won’t always want to listen or do as they have been told. Don’t despair. Start with prayer but don’t stop there. Use the Word to mold their attitudes and actions. Connect them to God’s power and the Word will change your child’s life.

Using the Word, however, doesn’t mean scolding your children when they have done something wrong and saying, “You’re making Jesus sad.” That’s a misuse of God’s Word. It’s like trying to get a radio-controlled car to move by throwing the batteries at the car instead of putting them inside of the car. You’ll get the car to move by throwing the batteries at it but only grudgingly and temporarily. Instead of throwing God’s Word at your children plug them into it. Make time to study God’s Word with your children. Take fifteen minutes every day after your evening meal or before your children go to bed to read a devotion. By plugging your children into the Word little by little you will see a difference in their lives.

It’s so simple isn’t it? Stay plugged into the Word – that’s Peter’s message. Yet while we Lutherans respect the Word how often don’t we neglect it? While we might not abuse the Word do we use it as often as we should? God’s Word is powerful but it doesn’t do us any good if we don’t stay plugged into it. If there is one thing that you want to make a priority of doing this year make it that and you won’t be sorry that you did. Amen.