I have learned that the Lord is willing to guide all men into obedience. But I did not learn that at first. Perhaps those who taught me didn’t know. Perhaps I didn’t phrase the question correctly. I don’t know.
But when He speaks to us, it is unmistakable. What He says is pointedly Right and to the moment. He guides actively, anyone who wills to listen and do.
The reason I bring this up is that many (most) rely on the Bible as their guide. There’s nothing wrong with that. Certainly we should know what the Bible says, from cover to cover. But to get stuck in that and think that reading is the sum of what God has to say is foolish. Look what the Lord said:
39 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5)
How can we rely on our own limited mind to know the Way of God? Even if we read it and understand, we rely on our tiny mind to remember and interpret His word each moment. We can’t walk in His way by ourselves, no matter how intelligent we think we are. Therefore, He is willing and able to guide us directly.
Maybe you read this and think I don’t know what I’m talking about. Perhaps you’ve come a long way by reading the Bible only. I tell you a truth. You can go a lot farther if you come to the point where you can hear Him. I can’t tell you how to get into a position that allows you to hear Him. I’m only telling you how it is.
It would be like reading a book about a person and considering that you know him. Who would consider that reasonable? He has said this, “13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7) If only a few find it, shouldn’t that raise a righteous fear within you? ]
Words From There 