One day as Jesus was teaching The Word, a certain woman became so excited about the teaching that she blurted out “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast which nursed you!”. In love, Jesus corrected her, and said “Rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.” (Lk 11:27-28). It is those that keep The Word that are truly blessed. The practical application of God’s Word on our life is fundamental. It doesn’t matter how much of God’s Word you know in your head, if it is not lived out in your life. Lots of people have a head knowledge of The Word, but no fruit in their life. Their religion is worthless. There will be a lot of people, theologians and preachers included, that are going to be cast into the Lake of Fire, because they knew a bunch of Scripture in their head; but they didn’t believe it; act on it; and live it.

Christians need to always exalt The Word of God in their lives. We must never forget that the Bible is the very Word of The Living God. It’s not optional; it’s not take it or leave it. It’s God speaking to His people. “But I feel this way.” But God’s Word says this. “But my belief is this.” But God’s Word says this. “But truth is relative, and I think this way.” But God’s Word says this. Besides, truth is not relative; it is absolute. 2+2=4, regardless of your opinion about the answer. We must read The Word with open ears, seeking to be made better by It. We must apply it personally to our lives. We must read it with a teachable heart, asking The Holy Spirit to give us revelation on how to apply it to our lives. This is keeping God’s Word.

There are at least nine benefits to keeping God’s Word; not necessarily listed in order of importance. Look up these Scriptures; have a Bible study; be a doer of The Word.

Number one: Blessing (Rev 22:14, Ps 112:1, Jam 1:21-25). There are many more Scriptures than these, but looking these up will get the point across. It is the doers, and not the hearers of God’s Word, that are truly blessed. Doers are not deceived. Hearers are.

Number two: Happiness (Jn 13:17, Prov 3:13, 29:18). If you are not happy as a Christian, you’ll find out why in these Scriptures. Do what Jesus says, and you’ll be happy.

Number three: It shows your family with God (Lk 8:21, Mt 12:48-50). The mothers and brothers and sisters of Jesus are those of us who hear his Word and do it.

Number four: It shows your friendship with God (Jn 15:14, Jam 2:23). We know Abraham believed God, because he acted on what God said; he obeyed Him, and God called him friend. What an honor to be called the friend of God. Doers are friends.

Number five: It shows you know God (1Jn 2:3, Lk 6:46). Jesus asked, “Why do you call me Lord (master, ruler, boss); and do not the things I’ve said?” Good question. Do you know what Lord means? Do you know the Jesus of Scripture, or have you made up your own personal Jesus? There is only one True Lord Jesus Christ: and you’ll only know Him through The Bible.

Number six: It shows you are wise (Mt 7:21-27, Ps 111:10, 119:99, Prov 10:8). Jesus said if you hear His Word and then do it; you are wise. If you hear His Word, but you don’t do it; you are a fool. That pretty much sums that up.

Number seven: It shows progress in the things of God (Gal 5:7-8, Heb 12:1). If you do not obey The Truth, you are hindered (Gk-beat back, checked). Therefore, we must lay aside every weight and besetting sin. Anything that hinders your going forward with God; get rid of it.

Number eight: It opens the door to receive God’s blessing (1Jn 3:22, Ps 1:1-3). God’s blessing is always there for His child; but obedience to His Word gives us access to it.

Number nine: It proves your love for God (Jn 14:15, 21-24, 1Jn 5:3). Being a doer of God’s Word and a follower of His precepts and commandments, demonstrates a true love and devotion for Jesus Christ- in opposition to “lip service” of your commitment, which is all talk and no walk. As I said, these nine benefits are not an exhaustive list; but they are more than enough reason to want to be a keeper of God’s Word. I pray this has blessed and challenged you, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!