Give More Earnest Heed

Give More Earnest Heed 

 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (Hebrews 2:1) 

The writer of Hebrews tells us in verse 2 of chapter 1 that God has in these last days spoken to us by his Son and he goes on to tell us that the Son is superior to angels or any man who has ever lived (Hebrews 1:3-13, 2:5-8, 3:1-6). Now he tells us to pay close attention to that which is spoken by the Son.  

We hold in our hands one of the greatest treasures the world has ever known, the Bible, the word of God. Every word of this great treasure is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). This great treasure is able to cleanse us and purify our souls (1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 1:22). This treasure is comprised of truth and it is truth that will set us free (John 8:32, 36, John 17:17).

For all who will allow it to do so, this great treasure becomes the power of God that leads to eternal salvation (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 5:8-9) We must give strict adherence to the truths of the gospel of Christ, the word of God, not to just some of them or only to the ones we like but to all of them without exception. If we neglect to feed on the treasure of God's word and be doers of that word (2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 2:1-3, James 1:22-27, 2:17-26), it will result in the truths that make us free and bring eternal salvation to slip from our minds and be forgotten. Don't let that happen! 

We are weak, frail human beings and if we do not diligently guard our hearts, it will be so easy to become engrossed in the pursuit of worldly things (wealth, homes, cars, possessions, things of all kinds) that we have little or no time left for spiritual things like studying God's word, praying, being involved in the work of the church. It will be so easy to become obsessed with material things, pleasures, amusements, recreational activities and allow those desires to leave no opportunity to do those things that will secure the eternal salvation of our soul to slip away (1 Cor. 15:57, 2 Peter 1:4-11, Hebrews 10:23, 2:1, Colossians 3:5-8).

 It is a great privilege and an honor to be a member of the Lord's church. To be called out of this world, to have redemption, the forgiveness of sins and be translated into the kingdom of God's beloved Son is cause for much rejoicing and praise to God (Col. 1:12-14). Giving heed to things spoken by the Lord, we must realize that we are a branch in Christ the vine. I cannot get by on the fact that the other branches are fruitful and function as they should while I do not and neither can you (John 15:1-8). We are a living stone in the building (1 Peter 2:4-5). I cannot get by on the fact that the other stones fit into their place and do their work well while I do not and neither can you. We are lights in the world and must shine (Matthew 5:14-16, Phil. 2:14-16). I cannot get by on the fact that other lights shine leading the lost and erring into the fold of safety while I do not and neither can you. 

Hold on to your faith so tenaciously that we will not falter or give up regardless of the struggles we face in this life (Hebrews 12:1-3).

 Charles Hicks