by Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
There was a time when most people in the Western world knew the Bible well. Even non-believers could tell you many of the Bible’s famous stories. But over the past hundred years or so, there’s been a shift. While general knowledge has been on the increase, Biblical knowledge has been falling. That’s because we now live in a postmodern world where Truth is thought to be relative—”What’s true for you may not be true for me,” they say. Thinking has been replaced by feeling. But the Bible doesn’t allow for that sort of nonsense. God’s Word is the ultimate and final source of Truth.
When you and I pick up our Bibles and read, we are doing something that goes against the current of our society. We are choosing the Truth of God over our own feelings, opinions, and circumstances. The more we do this, the more we become like the men of Issachar, “who understood the times and knew what [to do]” (1 Chronicles 12:32).
If you are exposed to postmodern thinking sixteen hours a day, spending two hours a week in church is not going to neutralize the effect. But as you obey God’s Word and let it transform your mind and heart daily, you will be less and less at home in this world. That’s a good thing, and it will prepare you to recognize and withstand the attacks of Satan. God’s Word is your greatest weapon in the fight—and it always prevails. Immerse yourself in it, and let it strengthen you to stand against the current of culture.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives me strength and hope to endure the spiritual battles I face in life. Help me cherish Your Word and feast on it so I remain healthy, strong, and faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“. . . from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; . . .” (1 Chronicles 12:32).