As Earth-dwellers, we have many influences on us. Especially in modern times, with the abundance of information at our fingertips, we face important choices in how we interpret the issues of our day, our culture, and our own heart and responses to them.

A follower of Christ and disciplemaker is one who is continually being transformed by the Word of God as an instrument of the Holy Spirit:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12,13, NIV1984).

We are not meant to be tossed back and forth, caught up in the latest posts on our news app or Twitter feed. We may live in and relate with the world, but how do the Scriptures speak to our own hearts, the world in which we live, and how we are to live?

• Our hearts. God gives an exalted identity and destiny to His children who in dependence trust in Him (Galatians 4:6,7).
• Our world. As a God of strength, love, and holiness, He created the earth and reigns in supremacy over it (Deuteronomy 4:39, Exodus 15:11-13, and Colossians 1:15-18).
• Our lives. In response to His love and sovereign control, God wants us to go in His name as instruments of grace and ambassadors of His Kingdom (John 20:21, 2 Corinthians 5:14-20)

The second characteristic of a disciplemaker in this series is to know and live from the Scriptures. We are called to be people of the Word.

Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the LORD your God. Obey the LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today” (Deuteronomy 27:9 NIV1984).

What influences in our culture or relationships can try to eclipse the light God’s Word is shining on us?

How can each of us increasingly open our minds, words, and deeds to the influence and transformation of the Scriptures?

Is there a particular area of your life that you need His Word to speak to or transform?