“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’” (John 8:31 NIV)

Have you ever heard the phrase “stay in my word”?  It is a modern slang phrase from John 8:31 here are different translations, “if you hold to my teachings,” (NIV) “if you remain in my word.” (WE) “if ye continue in my word,” (KJV) “if you abide in my word.”(ESV)  

They all say the same thing—God wants us to consistently engage in His word.  Making it a daily or regular habit to read and reflect on scripture, treating it as spiritual nourishment.  It is not just reading the Word but actively applying biblical principles to our daily life, relationships, and choices.  

This scripture tells us that if we hold to Jesus’ teachings, we are truly his disciples.  The problem occurs when we pick and choose what we want to follow from the Bible—the Word of God.  

For example, if you eat a grape at the grocery store and you did not pay for the 1 grape you ate, is that stealing?  If you are driving in your car, someone cuts you off, you flip them off, cuss them out, is that what Jesus would do?  If you get mad at your parents, you yell at them and quit talking to them, is that honoring your parents?  If you get mad at someone, holding a grudge, not forgiving them, does that coincide with forgive and you will be forgiven?  If you speak ill about someone to others, trashing who they are, is that gossiping?

The Word, the Bible gives us guidelines to follow.  They are truths about how we should live.  They teach us right from wrong.  If we abide in God’s teachings, then we abide in God.  Our actions reveal our faith, our beliefs.  For actions always speak louder than words.  So, what do your actions reveal?  Are you staying in God’s Word?  Or are you picking and choosing what suits you at the time?  It is something to think about.  God Bless. Amen.

denise