by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Hosea 4:1
“Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.”
The importance of improving education is always brought up in every political cycle. When talking to those who are in the ministry, you will often hear how the Bible colleges are lacking in their quality of education. It is as if academia is the key to being successful in life.
However, when you look throughout history, you will find that many never acquired a degree from an institution of higher learning. Indeed, many have gone to an institution of higher learning and received a great education, but when you look at those who were highly successful in serving God, you will find the common thread between them is that they all had a knowledge of God.
One of the reasons God punished His children was because they lacked a knowledge of Him. The verse above says, “…the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.” All the attributes as to why God had a controversy with these people can truly be packaged in that His people lacked a knowledge of Him. If these people had known more about God, they would not have done many of the things that led to God’s judgment.
One of the greatest problems with Christians today is that they lack a knowledge of God. Matthew 22:29 says, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” The reason people make unspiritual decisions is because they lack a knowledge of God and the Scriptures. The reason many fall in sin is because they have not hidden the Scriptures in their heart. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It is very clear from the Scriptures that the reason someone makes tragic mistakes or falls into sin is because they lack a knowledge of the Scriptures. The Scriptures will keep you from sin.
If a Christian takes the time to study the Scriptures, they will find that they will have more knowledge than those who attend institutions of higher learning. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Scriptures are what “throughly” furnishes the Christian to do God’s work. I’m not against reading books, but the best book you can read is God’s Word. Man’s philosophies and education are paltry compared to God’s Word.
Friend, the greatest advice I could give you is to walk with God in the Scriptures. The only place you will get a knowledge of God is in the Scriptures. You might be able to fake your Christianity for a short amount of time, but eventually your lack of a walk with God in the Scriptures will lead you to error and sin. You will find you will be more successful in life and in serving the LORD if you will spend more time studying the Scriptures and increasing your knowledge of God than by studying man’s books and philosophies. If there is one thing you should add to your Christian life, it is to be sure to stay in the Book.