Just Do It

“In the LORD I take refuge . . . For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:1-3

It has been this way since the serpent slithered his way into human affairs with the seductive question about God’s word. You remember what he said to Eve: “Has God said . . . ?” (Genesis 3:1). 

And the devil has not changed his game plan all these millennia. Why would he? It works.  

So it’s no wonder Satan continues to confuse people about the authority and inerrancy of God’s word. It’s no wonder he continues to encourage so many people – even some clergy – to persuade others to not read the Scriptures. And so it is no wonder Satan’s arrows upon the string so often find their mark. 

But the Holy Spirit tells us what to do to protect ourselves from the devil’s arrows. Indeed, all of Scripture tells us what to do, like we find in Psalm 119 wherein all 176 verses talk about the importance of knowing God’s word. 

St. Paul tells us the same thing in his letter to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) And in the next chapter, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

Satan knows, if the foundations are destroyed – if he can deceive humanity into avoiding the personal study of God’s word – then the righteous will become like scattered sheep, wandering into great danger.

What Scriptures teach about salvation and holiness and obedience to God is simple enough for a child to understand. And what they teach is profound enough that an adult can spend 100 lifetimes plumbing its depths. 

You and I know what we need to do. God help us to just DO it.