When it comes to God’s Word, how would you describe your “passion level”? Just how interested are you in getting anything from it?

There are some professing Christians who, if they were honest, would have to confess they really don’t have any desire to know God’s Word any better than their current shallow understanding.

Others are interested enough when they’re in church on Sunday morning, but beyond that, the Book is closed. They don’t even make the effort to attend the church’s Bible study programs. There are still others who are at church every time the doors are open, but again, outside of church, their Bible stays on the shelf.

And some Christians are faithful to read the Bible every day—some of those because they think it merits some kind of favor with God; others because they really want to get to know God better.

Quite a spectrum of attitudes, isn’t it?

Given the fact that you’re taking the time to read this, my guess is you would find yourself on the right side of that spectrum.

“Think of
the Bible
as a
buried
treasure chest.”

But let’s go a step further and look at Proverbs 2 for a biblical description of someone who’s really passionate about his interaction with Scripture. Think of the Bible as a buried treasure chest with a wealth of information to guide your life; you are on a quest to unearth this invaluable treasure.

With what attitudes do you go about it?

First, you will incline your ear to hear God’s wisdom (v. 2). Incidentally, just because a person’s at church doesn’t mean this is taking place. From my vantage point, I’ve seen a variety of postures that indicate anything but an inclination to hear! So, this is a good place to start.

From there, one must apply his heart to understand what he hears (v. 2). The point here, of course, is that you’re not merely on a quest for information; you want your life to be changed in some way. In the sermon, a good preacher will make applications of Scripture to everyday life; a good listener will make the bridge from the preacher’s general application to his specific life situations.

Verse 3 indicates a longing of the heart for biblical wisdom—crying after knowledge and lifting up the voice for understanding. What a blessing and encouragement to the pastor when his people come into a preaching setting wanting him to open God’s Word and explain a passage of Scripture, teaching its meaning and applying its principles to life. Such ones go away filled!

Yet the work is not all the preacher’s.

As if he’s after that hidden treasure, the reader/listener seeks God’s wisdom (v. 4). That implies some effort on your part, doesn’t it? You have God’s Word at your disposal every day—the treasure is within arm’s reach. If you really want its wealth, can you ignore that treasure chest Monday through Saturday?

I don’t think so.

I think you’ll want to spend some time digging around a little bit every day.