Now Hear This!

            In an interview, Billy Graham was asked this question: “If you had to live your life over again, what would you do differently?”  He answered, “One of my great regrets is that I have not studied enough.  I wish I had studied more and preached less.  People have pressured me into speaking to groups when I should have been studying and preparing.  Donald Barnhouse said that if he knew the Lord was coming in three years, he would spend two of them studying and one preaching.  I’m trying to make it up” (Christianity Today; September 12, 1977; p.19). 
            It’s amazing the time we spend on trivialities and almost no time at all on the most essential matters of life.  If we spent more time studying and preparing we would spend less time apologizing, fixing, and repairing.  Look at all the relationships that are ship-wrecked just because time isn’t taken to study the situation and true research into the matter is not made.  Judge Judy is good at putting time, thought, and study into cases that come before her bench.  And a large percentage of the time she uncovers the real cause of problems to be that the people did not put enough study, thought, and time into the situation.  Most people move on a whim or a flam. 
            Alexander Graham Bell said, “Don’t keep forever on the public road, going only where others have gone. Leave the beaten track occasionally and drive into the woods.  You will be sure to see something you have never seen before.  It will be a little thing, but do not ignore it.  Follow it up, explore all around.  One discovery will lead to another and before you know it you will have something worth thinking about.”  When time and study are put into a matter a discovery is made. 
            The Apostle Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  When a person gives himself to the study of God’s Word he will receive revelation knowledge.  A fresh understanding will be minded.  And in the same way when a person applies himself to study a matter, a problem, a puzzle he will receive new clarity. 
            A good lawyer will put research and time into a case.  Excellent doctors put much study into their profession.  A mechanic who is in demand constantly studies the new designs.  If we were to put more study time into our relationships there would be less falling out, fighting, and separation. Too many people give up on relationships and will not take the time to study the art of keeping it strong and healthy.  Yes, study is work, but so worth it.   The results are rewarding. 
            The half-brother of Jesus said, “Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). How wonderful it is to know that our relationship can be fixed and restored.  The simple remedy is confession.  Just by saying, “I’m sorry!  Forgive me!  I love you!” can do wonders to a broken relationship especially, if we mean it.  You can visit us online at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com.