I think most of us listen acutely when we sense Threat is involved: “Clean your room, or else…” (parent), “Get this project done, or else…” (employer). If one in intense conflict with us wages those words of “or else,” we are most inclined to get law enforcement involved. But, as much as we believe we have rights to a life without Threats, the fact is our lives stand right within the huge statement of Threat.

Paul writes to Timothy: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”(1 Tim 4:16). Paul says to the elders at Ephesus: “I commend you to the word of His grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance…” (Acts 20:32). Jesus told His hearers: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” John 12:48. In these cases, the Word, be it proclaimed, or studied is tied to eternal situations, eternity and it appears salvation itself. The Word is not a suggestion.

In almost every circle of church attenders ever encountered there comes the inevitable opinions about sermons. Some sermons “speak” more to them than others. Where in the world did we get this concept? Are we more or less responsible based on that? Do we really hold a “holy Option” of whether His Word speaks to us or not?

A case in point: James says “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (1:26). What is clearly being said, even threatened, here? But, we may come away and say: “That speaks to me.” Well, Ma’am or Sir, that’s nice, but that is not really the case. God’s Word is true for you whether it speaks to you or not. And whether it speaks to you or not, the result is still the same. A “useless” religion would not hold any security to stand before God. The Threat in this is real and alive. You are not over God’s Word, but it is OVER you.

Jesus especially warns about being deceived in the last days (see Matt 24-25). Do we seriously think our reception of the Word is our choice to take as advice or suggestions? I think we could be frightfully self-deceived if we do.