The FARTHER You Are From GOD’S WORD, The FILTHIER Your Life Becomes

The FARTHER You Are From GOD’S WORD, The FILTHIER Your Life Becomes. ~ David Oyedepo 

In our Christian walk, a pivotal truth stands out, shaping the essence of our walk with God: The farther you are from God’s Word, the filthier your life becomes. This principle, though stark, is not meant to condemn but to illuminate the path of righteousness that leads to a life of purity, peace, and purpose. Drawing near to God’s Word is akin to drawing near to a wellspring of living water—it cleanses, refreshes, and nourishes the soul.

God’s Word is a mirror to our souls. James 1:23-25 illustrates this beautifully, saying, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Just as a mirror reflects our physical appearance, God’s Word reflects the state of our hearts and lives, revealing blemishes of sin and areas in need of God’s cleansing and restoration.

Without the constant guidance and correction of Scripture, it’s easy to drift into behaviors and attitudes that soil our spiritual garments. The filth of pride, envy, hatred, lust, and greed begins to accumulate, often subtly, leading us further from the life God intends for us—a life characterized by love, joy, peace, and holiness.

God’s Word is the standard of purity. In a world where moral relativism blurs the lines between right and wrong, the Bible stands as an unchanging beacon of truth. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140). It provides clear moral guidelines and principles for living that, when followed, lead to a life that is clean in God’s sight. The farther we stray from these divine precepts, the more our lives reflect the chaos and corruption of a world in rebellion against its Creator.

Drawing near to God’s Word requires intentional effort. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), Jesus illustrates that the condition of our hearts determines the fruitfulness of God’s Word in our lives. A heart hardened by sin and unbelief is like the stony ground where the seed of the Word cannot take root. Conversely, a heart that is tender, receptive, and obedient to the Word produces a harvest of righteousness. The effort to draw near to God’s Word involves regular reading, meditation, and application. It’s a daily choice to feast on the Scriptures, allowing them to transform our thoughts, desires, and actions.

The consequences of neglecting God’s Word are dire. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” When we distance ourselves from the light of God’s Word, we inevitably walk in darkness, making choices that seem right to our fallible human reasoning but lead to spiritual death and destruction. The filth of sin not only mars our relationship with God but also affects our relationships with others, causing pain, division, and sorrow.

Yet, there is hope for cleansing and renewal. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” No matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s Word is powerful to cleanse and restore us. It’s a beacon that guides us back to the path of purity, a sword that cuts away the sin entangling us, and a balm that heals our wounds.

Living close to God’s Word leads to a life of blessing and fruitfulness. Psalm 1:1-3 beautifully depicts this truth, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” This vivid imagery reminds us that a life nourished by God’s Word is stable, fruitful, and prosperous in all the ways that truly matter.

The proximity of our lives to God’s Word directly influences our purity, peace, and purpose. As we draw near to the Scriptures, allowing them to cleanse, guide, and nourish our souls, we experience the fullness of life God intends for us. Let us, therefore, make the daily decision to delve into the Word, to apply its truths, and to live out its precepts. In doing so, we not only avoid the traps of sin but also walk in the light of His glory and grace, reflecting His purity and love to a world in desperate need of redemption.