Words of Life

"The words that I speak to you are spirit,

and they are life." John 6:63 (NKJV)

Have you ever done a report on a famous person? If so, you probably used various resources to gather information on him or her. You may have read a summary on their life in an encyclopedia or biography. You may have read articles written about them or, if they are living, checked out their social media page or watched videos on YouTube. You likely took notes on basic information about where they grew up, how they rose to fame, and noteworthy things they accomplished. You may not have known anything about them when you started, or maybe you knew a lot already, but in either case you likely learned things about them you didn't know before.

Some people are mostly known for what they have done, such as being president, inventing things, or having a great athletic career. Others are not only known for what they did, but also what they said. For instance, you may know that Martin Luther King Jr. was a great civil rights leader who made many speeches and said, "I have a dream..." Or you might know all the words to the songs of your favorite singer and pretty much know what they stand for by their lyrics.

Growing up, I was raised to know a lot about Jesus Christ. From my earliest days I knew he was born in Bethlehem, had a mother and father named Mary and Joseph, and that He grew up to do many miracles and die on the cross for my sins. I knew He rose from the dead and went to Heaven and that someday I will go to live with Him forever. I knew he healed people and calmed the raging sea and fed a great crowd of people with a boy's small lunch. I also knew some of the things He said, such as "Do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matt. 7:12), and "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19, KJV), which I mostly knew from the Sunday school song. But it wasn't until I was older that I read the words Jesus speaks in John 6:63: "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

By that time I had been reading the words of Jesus from the Bible on a daily basis for awhile, and I knew the truth of His statement. I knew His words moved me in a unique way. Even now I can't describe it exactly, but I haven't stopped, and I encourage you to read His words for yourself, rather than simply relying on what others say about Him. Whether you are feeling firm in your faith currently or a bit lost and confused, He has things to say that will lead you forward and deeper in your relationship with Him. I put together a few benefits of reading the words of Jesus using the acronym LIFE.

L is for Lessons: Jesus liked to tell stories, and the stories He told always had a point. We can learn a lot about the basics of following Him through the stories He told. We can learn the best way to live, the right attitudes to have, and how to handle difficult people or situations. Some stories are easy to follow and the lesson is pretty clear, other times more thinking might be required, but if you focus on what Jesus is trying to teach those who were listening, you will likely hear Him speaking to you as well.

I is for Insight: In addition to learning the lessons Jesus wants to teach, reading His words can also tell us a lot about the heart of God. How He sees people and the love He has for them; What makes Him happy, sad, or angry; What He cares about most and what is really important. I hear a lot of people say they don't understand God or know how to follow Jesus. Reading His words can teach you a lot on both counts.

F is for Fruit: In John 15:7-8 Jesus says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." 

One of the primary benefits of reading the words of Jesus, listening to Him, and following however He leads, is that you will be transformed. You will become more like Jesus. You will be more loving, more at peace, and have more joy. You will become more inclined to help others and share the truth of God's love. How you live and the words you speak will be more in line with what Jesus has for you and wants for you.

E is for Enduring: In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus says, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Jesus had just finished teaching many basic principles of Kingdom Living when He gave His listeners this assurance. He was guaranteeing His words! In effect He was saying, 'If you listen and live this way, you won't be sorry. My ways endure. The truth is the truth and it doesn't change. When hard times come, you will stand strong.'

If you're not already reading the words of Jesus on a regular basis, Matthew, Chapters Five through Seven is a good place to start, and many more can be found throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). They are spirit and life, and you will be blessed.

Praying hands, MLK sign, and berries photos courtesy of freeimages.com