My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
Proverbs 7:1
Many of us have seen the movie “National Treasure.” It is the fictional story of a man, along with a few trusted friends, who seek diligently and passionately a treasure that is innumerable in its worth. The movie depicts them running from clue to clue seeking this elusive treasure trove with all of their might. But, in the end, they find it making all of their efforts worthwhile.
There is a treasure that is worth more than all the riches in the world. It is found in the inspired pages of God’s holy Word. Solomon refers to this treasure numerous times throughout the Proverbs, and it is one that we cannot place a price tag on or truly understand when it comes to its value for us. God, in an act of infinite kindness, gave us his Word so that we might not wander in darkness. He gave it to us to read, study, and meditate on as we live out our days in this pilgrimage as Christians. He gave it to us to keep — that is, to obey. A few observations:
First, one will never seek to obey what he does not truly treasure. Most Christians readily admit that the Bible is valuable. They would never say it has no worth or importance in their lives. They say it is the Word of the living God, inspired and inerrant in everything it says. Yet, the question for us today is: “Do we treasure it?” Are we willing to part with all the gold, silver, and precious jewels for the sake of the Word of God?” Again, I suspect many would say “Yes” to that question. However, the proof of it is in action. If we do not treasure it beyond all riches, we will never study it, read it, or meditate on it.
Second, if one treasures something, they spend time with it. Consider a person in your life that you cherish and love. You spend time with that person and enjoy one another’s company. If we cherish God’s Word, we will be busy reading it, studying it, and meditating on it daily. Many read through the Bible in a year. That is a good plan and one that I recommend. Yet, there is more to knowing God’s Word than merely being aquatinted with the facts. We must allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in our minds and hearts. Reading is good, and studying is better. Meditating on it is the best of all three. Yet, one cannot meditate on that which they are not acquainted with. Do you treasure God’s Word so much that you carve out a portion of time each day to read, study, and meditate on it? In the movie cited above, the individuals in pursuit of treasure had a plan and executed it. We must also have a plan and execute it daily if we are to keep the commandments of the Lord.
Third, if one treasures the Word of God, then one will seek to obey it. That is, after all, the point of the Scriptures. It is designed to conform us more and more to the image of Christ. It is intended to point us to the one who made us so that we might be like him in righteousness and holiness. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” That is all that he has said, not only in the “red letters” of some Bible versions but all of it from Genesis to Revelation.
Of course, you cannot keep and obey what you do not know. Therefore, with purpose, read, study, and meditate on the Holy Scriptures so that you will know what they say and live them to the glory of God.
