The Importance of Understanding God's Word

There is a time for everything. (Eccl. 3:1-8) For me, understanding scriptures has been a big part of my life since I was a child. But to tell the truth, how long one has searched isn’t what’s important. I believe the desire and yearning for truth can come at any time, and for much shorter periods. This, however, is my personal journey. Everyone's journey is different. I can’t stress that enough!

Timing is to be taken into consideration when approaching the subject of understanding God’s Word and His plans for mankind! Why are we told in I John 5:20 to pray most for wisdom and understanding? This tells me it is very important! When do we get it? God works with everyone differently, in His own timing and will. Sometimes, suddenly, by prayer and faith, and sometimes over a lifetime of prayer, faith, suffering through life's trials, laboring, and running in a race to the end. (Matt. 20:1-6) Hence the Parable of the Laborers! We each deal differently with our own children, according to their needs, abilities, attitudes, etc., do we not?

Faith and a Personal Relationship with Christ

It’s been my experience that the more understanding one has, the more our faith grows and develops! And faith IS absolutely necessary for our salvation and our walking closely daily with our Savior, Jesus Christ! Getting to know Him personally and Him truly being our friend, as he calls us in John 15:14-15. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

I believe if everyone had pure wisdom and understanding of God, His Kingdom could come immediately, but that’s obviously not His plan or His way. We can see this when we look around at this world and see that only a few out of all those on this earth even believe in Jesus Christ, much less walk in His footsteps to the best of their ability! (Matt. 19:26)

Understanding God’s Word: A Lifelong Pursuit

This knowledge and understanding is sufficient to keep me busy daily in searching the scriptures to show myself approved before God and Jesus Christ. Christ intercedes on our behalf when we call on Him to know the Father. (John 14:6) and (John 6:44) says, "No man cometh unto the Father but by me," and again, "no one can cometh unto me, except the Father calls him."

In conclusion, I will ask again, "Is understanding necessary?" And I will say that it is absolutely necessary for me. Every individual has to ask themselves that question. Is it a salvational issue? I guess it depends on who is answering the question at this time!

Be blessed! Happy Searching!