Straightening Up

282 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:16,17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16,17) We have established how vital it is for the follower of Christ to be convinced that the inspiration of ALL scripture comes from God. Now let's continue to look at some areas in which this inspired Word of God is useful for the believer. Today we come to the word “correction.” The word in the Greek means “a straightening up again.” This speaks of a necessity to be in the Word of God on a regular basis. I remember those days in my parents house when the phone would ring and the flurry of activity that followed when the pastor announced he would be dropping by, or maybe a long lost relative was in town and they want to pop in for a visit. Oh yes, we knew quite well what it means to “straighten up!” That bit of frenzied activity could have been avoided had we kept on top of the situation! If the dishes had been tackled right away there would be no need to shove them all in the oven! Pity the hoarder who let's it get away to the point of insurmountability! Let's talk about the dangers of not straightening up on a daily basis. Someone who gets lackadaisical in their walk with the Lord, will one day find themselves entangled in sin. A frenzied activity of repentance may follow but the dirty dishes are still in the oven, they are not where they are supposed to be! And the offender eventually winds up with the same mess when the next crisis of sin comes along. The hoarder, meanwhile runs the risk of just giving up this Christian life altogether! What's the use? He's in way too deep! But friend, it doesn't have to be that way! Jesus says, Re 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Do you understand what HE is saying here? No need to clean up before you let Him in! Open the door and He will do the “straightening up”! He will make you presentable to the Father! And one of the ways He uses to help you straighten up is the correction found in His Word! So pick up that Bible that has been gathering dust in your house! It is profitable for helping you “straighten up.” Use it! Prayerfully open it and ask Jesus to help keep you on the straight and narrow!