6 Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die? 7 For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire? 12 O be wise; what can I say more? [JACOB 6:6-7, 12]
I think if we reverse these verses it can provide a new perspective and directive, even a greater sense of urgency to the reader and believer—you and me. No, they aren’t written in the wrong order, but I believe that the Scriptures are meant to be studied, not just read. And the more meaning we can glean from them the better they will instruct, direct and protect us in our daily lives.
O BE WISE
How? And what does it mean to “be wise?” Jacob inspires us with the answers to these potent potential pitfalls and confusing Christian conundrums. First, to learn real wisdom, one must have an open mind and heart, right? Thus, as you “hear His voice” (the One with the greatest wisdom!) and allow it to enter your heart, you will live! In this case the emphasis is on living eternally with God as opposed to the final warning about dying eternally “into the fire.”
There is all sorts of wisdom in this world to acquire. There is always something new to learn. Nevertheless, if you truly want to become and to live wiser and better, you will need to acquire the wisdom that only the Lord and His words can provide.
SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED
Whether you're feeding your mind, body or soul, a wise person seeks and receives the proper and regular nourishment. Sure, our bodies can temporarily survive on soda and junk food (for longer than one might think possible!), but we will not be living our best, healthiest, or happiest life. That’s not just spirituality, that’s science. Which, one day the world will realize (even more so) that those two are very much connected.
What is nourishing your mind, heart, body and soul? Are you healthy? Happy? If not, it’s time to do an inventory of your intake and see where you can receive better nutrients and nourishment.
YOU’RE FIRED!
As the Lord never provides a punishment without a warning, this is that warning. Jacob is pleading with us, being inspired by the Light and Love of the Lord, to not take the Scriptures for granted. To study, not just read them. To live them, not just believe them. So that we are not “hewn down and cast into the fire” when this life is over. But also to be blessed by the wisdom that comes from the Scriptures now, in this life!
When was the last time you truly studied the scriptures? Not guilt-tripped into reading/studying them, but because you truly realize their value and the wisdom they bring into your daily life?
Today, don’t ask yourself “Why will ye die?” but ask, “Why will you live?” What are you living for? What can you remove and what can you improve that will not only bring you closer to Christ, but help you to become even more like Him? Are there “evil fruits” (doubts, habits, mistakes, sins) holding you back, or filling you up so you’re not hungry for the good fruits of God? Yes, there is a difference between making a mistake and purposely partaking of evil fruits. The Lord will help you to decide and discern which people, places and pursuits are more wise and healthy for your life and for your spirit. Trust Him. Because He wants to higher you, not fire you!