It has been said by some that, “to properly study mankind you must study a man.” I am not really opposed to this idea, yet I would say, “to properly study a Christian you must study Christ.” I am aware that Christ is much loftier than most Christians are…I think that goes without saying. However, it is into His likeness that we are being changed and if God has begun a good work in you, the scripture tells us that God will labor until the work is complete. Look at what it says in Philippians: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NASV) Do you see? God’s labor is not complete until it is totally finished. Once God has begun a work in a person’s life, He will not stop until that work reaches its completion. Therefore, to understand Christians, it would be a good idea to study Christ. God’s goal for our lives is that every follower of Christ will be made more like Him. In the process of studying Christ, you will gain much benefit. Let me explain.
A naturalist may boast of his ability to understand the insect world. He may be able to arrange all the insects into classes and call them by unutterable names, yet, is there any moral value in knowing these facts? Is knowing every insect that creeps on the earth going to make me a better person? Will it really profit me to know the name of every star in heaven? I don’t think so. I would have head knowledge, but where is the heart knowledge? I could be a computer scientist and know both hardware and software, but will that knowledge make me into a virtuous person? No! Still, to study Christ, to understand His love for the Father and His love for the world is an endeavor which yields the greatest moral significance. He who often thinks of God has the ability to set his mind on godly things. This is of boundless moral and spiritual importance to our soul. This is why Paul tells us: “Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (HCSB)
Nothing will help a person more then to investigate godly things, to seek God’s wisdom and God’s guidance. It should be the desire of every Christian to walk closer to Christ. Do you wish to become Godlier? Do you wish to become more like the Savior Jesus Christ? Are you overwhelmed by the worries of the world? Are you consumed by all your cares? Study Christ! He is the Alpha and the Omega…the Beginning and the End…the unchangeable One…the Eternal One. Listen to what God’s word says. This is our text for today: "I am God—yes, I Am. I haven’t changed.” Malachi 3:6 (MSG)
He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply travels around this earthly globe collecting facts of every sort and nature. Nothing will so cleanse the soul of a person than earnestly and devoutly seeking an understanding of Christ’s sacrificial offering on the cross. Christ is the balm that heals every wounded soul. Christ is the power that takes a broken and shattered life and puts it back together. Christ is the anointing oil for every festering sore of sin. Only He has the power to heal our brokenness. Only He has the power to forgive us. Only He has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Study Him, pursue Him, build your relationship with Him, and come to know Him. God has always been in the life changing business; A fact has never changed. That is why the scripture says:
"I am God—yes, I Am. I haven’t changed.” Malachi 3:6 (MSG)
Would you be freed from you sorrows? Would you choose to be loosed of your cares? Would you desire to be washed clean from the stains of your unholy actions and your unholy thoughts? Seek the knowledge which is above this world. Seek Him who sits in the heavens. Seek godly wisdom by seeking God Himself. I know of nothing that can cure a broken soul other than knowing He who created the soul of man in the first place. It is only God who formed the first human soul and it is only God who can fix it. Take your brokenness to One who knows best how to fix it. God says:
"I am God—yes, I Am. I haven’t changed.” Malachi 3:6 (MSG)