Unlike the time of the apostles when the Word of God was rare, we have the grace to live in an era where everyone has access to the Word of God and Biblical teachings. Access to knowledge has never been as easy as it is in our time. However, it is unfortunate to realize that despite the accessibility of the Word, Christians and churches have never lacked impact in their environment as much as they do now.

Many know Biblical verses, but very few manage to let these verses transform them. We recite Biblical verses, but many of us are sick, experiencing lack and limitation, going through divorces and family conflicts, not to mention rivalries and all sorts of divisions that result from this. I took the time to meditate on this issue and discovered that there are two main reasons that prevent us from practicing the Word of God.

1. Lack of understanding of the Word of God.

The first obstacle to practicing the Word of God is undeniably the lack of understanding of it. Many of us recite Biblical verses that we do not understand. When we do not understand something, it is very difficult to use it correctly. If we do not understand, for example, why Jesus recommends turning the other cheek to the one who slaps us, it will be very difficult to obey this command.

One who does not understand why Jesus asks them to deny themselves and carry their cross will have much difficulty in putting this word into practice. The Bible clearly shows us that we not only need the Word of God but also revelation, without which the word will not be of much use to us. The psalmist could thus recognize that it is the revelation of the word that gives light.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130

The Bible shows us in Luke 24 that Jesus had to open the minds of His disciples so they could understand the Scriptures.

“He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44-45

Without this opening of the mind, the disciples would never have understood the Scriptures. Without understanding the Scriptures, the disciples would not have been different from those who have never heard of the Word. The apostle Paul was aware of the necessity for every child of God to have their minds opened. That is why he regularly prayed for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of the hearts of Christians.

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” Ephesians 1:15-18

The prayer of the apostle Paul demonstrates that it is not enough to read and meditate on the word. It is necessary to pray regularly for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of the heart and grant us a spirit of wisdom and discernment.

2. Lack of faith in the Word of God.

The second major reason many Christians do not abide in the word is that they do not truly believe in it. It is true that if we ask Christians if they believe in the word, we will only receive positive answers. Many are convinced that they truly believe, and this makes the situation much more complex and dangerous.

What many Christians ignore about faith is that it is not a feeling or an emotion. It is not even a logical reasoning such as “I go to church, I pray and meditate on the word, therefore I believe in God and His word.” If we examine Hebrews 11:1, we understand that faith is a demonstration.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

One who believes acts in harmony with the object of their faith. This person will not act in ways contrary to the object of their faith. Thus, a person who believes that God exists and loves them will manifest peace and serenity in all situations. This person should never be seen worrying, stressing, or constantly complaining about others.

When we take the time to observe ourselves objectively, we realize that our lives demonstrate fear, worry, limitations, and many other similar things. If we base ourselves on the definition of faith according to Hebrews 11:1, these things that our lives demonstrate reveal our lack of faith in God and the essentials of His word.

I think it is very important for all of us to look at our attitudes and behaviors with great humility and integrity to judge whether they truly demonstrate our faith in God and His word. One can pray and attend church without truly believing that God exists. I was surprised one day to read a text from the Bible that seemed unbelievable and very contradictory to me. This text, found in the epistle to the Hebrews, says that the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

After reading and rereading this text, I concluded that the author of the epistle wanted to remind us that many of us attend church and participate in prayer meetings without really believing that God exists and that His word is true. Many of us want to draw closer to God while our actions, attitudes, and characters do not demonstrate faith in God. The author of the epistle wants us to stop being pretentious and start asking ourselves if we really believe that God exists. God can and wants to help us believe in Him and His word. But for that, we must first recognize that we do not believe.

Abraham, who is the Father of faith, had to pass the test of demonstration for his faith in God to be validated and attested. Abraham had to accept to offer Isaac and begin the execution (demonstration) for God the Father to confirm that Abraham truly believed in Him and His Word.

“Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” James 2:17-23

As long as we do not truly believe in God and His Word, it will be impossible for us to practice His word. But if we cannot practice His Word, we cannot claim to be disciples of Jesus. If we humble ourselves and ask God to forgive our unbelief, He is good and faithful to help us believe.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

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This text is an excerpt from the book “THE TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST” written by Dominique MBOG.

We invite you to read the following article “God Wants Us All to Become Disciples”.

Christians. Christians.