You have something completely reliable in God’s Word!

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19 NIV)

A few years ago, I was remodeling a room that required putting up a few pieces of wallboard cut at odd angles. This was not a big challenge because it was a matter of measuring accurately and cutting the material carefully. I followed the rule of “measuring twice and cutting once” to assure no mistakes. I cut the first piece and then held it up to the place it was to be nailed to. But, to my surprise, it did not fit! I was sure I had measured correctly before cutting it! I had even written down the measurements before cutting. I rechecked them and they were correct! So, how could my angles be off? Then I decided to check the accuracy of my tools. The tape measure was correct, so that wasn't the problem. However, the t-square I had been using to cut with was off by a quarter of an inch! Somehow it had gotten bent, so anything I would use it for would be wrong! Now I understood why it hadn't fit and how to fix it. After getting an accurate t-square, my cut pieces fit perfectly.

Use the Word of God for accuracy!

In the same way, if your personal belief system or philosophy of life which you are using to base your decision-making process on is not biblically accurate, the results could be undesirable. I have a friend who told me many years ago that he made his life decisions based on Shakespeare's words, “Above all, to thine own self be true.” It may have sounded good to him, but it is not a Biblical concept. In fact, it's the exact opposite of God’s many commands about putting other’s needs ahead of yourself. Sadly, his unbiblical philosophy led to many negative consequences for him over the years, including failed marriages and problems with his business and children. His life could have been so much better had he based his decision-making philosophy on God’s Word, such as this verse: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24 NIV)

God’s Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

It will throughly equip you for every good work

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:15-17 NIV)