“Where Does Your Interest Lie?”

 “Where Does Your Interest Lie?”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

      Webster’s Dictionary defines the word interest in the following ways: “1. the feeling of one whose attention, concern, or curiosity is particularly engaged by something … 2. that which concerns, involves, draws the attention of, or arouses the curiosity of a person … 3. power of exciting such involvement, concern, etc., quality of being interesting.”

            When asked what thing, or things arouse curiosity, excite, and engage one’s mind, some might mention baseball, football, NASCAR, knitting, TV shows, woodworking, music, and several other things.

            None of these things are necessarily wrong in themselves. In fact, we could add a multitude of other things into the category of what “interests” folks, and none of those things would necessarily lead to sin. Yet, I am concerned that in pursuit of our interests, many folks have ignored and otherwise cast aside the thing that should excite them the most — God’s word!

            God’s word ought to engage our minds. It should arouse our curiosity to learn more and more. God’s word should be of primary interest to men and women.

            Why do I make that statement? Why should the Bible hold such interest over us? It is because of what we find contained within the pages of the Bible. The Bible contains answers to questions that no other work has. If we wish to know our beginning (Gen. 1-2), why we are here (Ecc. 12:13-14), and where we are going when this life is over (Matt. 25:46), we need to spend time in the Bible!

            Furthermore, if we are interested in learning how to worship the God of Heaven acceptably (Jn. 4:24; Acts 2:42, 20:7; Eph. 5:19; etc.), we need to spend time in the Bible. From Genesis 4 through the book of Revelation, we see that God is concerned with folks worshipping Him in an acceptable way. He has never been happy with folks who thought they could “throw up” anything to God, call it worship, and think God would accept it (ex: Mal. 1:6-14). If we are engaged and curious as to how we can worship God acceptably, then let us spend time in God’s word and learn what He wants!

            Does self-improvement interest you? Rather than relying upon the advice of fallible men for improvement, why not turn to our infallible God for the answers on how to make proper decisions, have a good family life, as well as the “how-to” for making the most of every day? (ex: Proverbs; Eph. 5:22-33; Ps. 119:97-100; Jas. 4:7-8, 15) Let us allow God’s word to “improve” us!

            If we are curious as to how we can be saved from sin, then let us not turn to a creed book, religious manual, or some other work of man. Instead, let us go to God’s word and learn that to be saved from sin we need to hear God’s word (Acts 2:22). Hearing God’s word produces faith (Rom. 10:17). This is necessary, for without faith we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). In light of our faith in God’s word, and faith in Christ (Jn. 8:24), we must then repent of our sins (Lk. 13:3, 5; II Pet. 3:9), confess our faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-37), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21). This is what all those converted to the Lord did in New Testament days, and this is what we must do!

            If you have read about the Lord’s plan of salvation before, good! I am glad you have had another chance to read the Lord’s plan and consider these passages before it is too late (II Cor. 6:2). Our salvation ought to interest us in a deep and profound way. Therefore, if you’re not a Christian, please respond to the Lord’s invitation before it is too late! Then, live for Him (Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:17), worship Him acceptably (Jn. 4:24), and follow the Lord daily (Lk. 9:23).

Where Does Your Interest Lie? Does It Need To Change To Please God?