Marine Corps Base Quantico -- I remember reading a sign many years ago, which had a very profound effect upon me. It’s saying was clear and succinct; in other words, it was Marine Proof (I say this as a former Marine). The sign stated: “What do I know? Who needs to know it? And, have I told them?”
Throughout your military career, how many times have you heard someone say, “Did you get the word?” I am going to step-out on a limb and say that more than likely it has been… countless times. A direct correlation for our military term “The Word” is the term “Knowledge”. We are all taught early in our profession, that knowledge is key. Knowledge helps us unpack the 5 W’s and 1 H (the who, the what, the when, the where, the why, and the how). Knowledge helps me know what I am to do; as well as, where I am to be and at what specific time I am to arrive there. Thus, knowledge which means “The Word”… must be very important to my success and survival! Yet, did you know that “the Word” has been around before the world was even formed?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). The Greek term for “Word” is logos, which means “word spoken or written, often with a focus on the content of a communication… it also stands for the title of ‘Christ’, and God’s Holy Scriptures” (Strong’s, Greek 3056). Therefore, not only is the word good for me physically, but the Word is good for me spiritually too!
The Holy Bible is God’s Word to us, His creation. How often do you read it? How often do you get the Word? Heck, do you even have the Word? If not, stop by your local chapel and pick one up for free! Then, start reading it ASAP. Here is the easiest way to start that wonderful journey, holding the bible in both hands (you don’t want it to get away from you), open it to its center. That will be the book of Psalms (prayers and songs), then just to the right of that book is Proverbs (Wisdom). Let’s start there, in Proverbs. Keeping it Marine Proof, read whichever chapter correlates to the day of the month. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, and the last time I checked… the longest month only has 31 days in it. Therefore, on March 21st, read the 21st chapter of Proverbs. The amount of wisdom found in those chapters is more than a lifetimes worth of reading (I promise, and so does God).
Next, you might ask, “What should you be looking for as you read the Word?” Here is an outline I created for my family devotions on un-packing God’s Word, the Bible:
1. Is there a common theme/teaching found within the text?
2. Is there a common warning found within the text?
3. Is there a clear direction on who you should allow to influence you?
4. Is there a process to the teaching (what God is calling you to do)?
5. Is there a teaching on what to avoid (what God is warning you to stay away from)?
6. Is there a description on what to avoid (sin/un-godliness)?
7. Is there a description on what the right thing (righteousness “God approved actions”) looks like?
Lastly, remember some things are applied (direct), and others are implied (indirect). Applied, go to work. Implied, I need to get dressed first (before going to work).