A few days ago, I watched a video of Dr. John Lennox, “My LAST Words to the World.” It caught my attention not only because I love how Dr. Lennox defends the truth as a Christian apologist, but because last words are often the most insightful and profound words that you could ever hear from any person.
Dr. Lennox is not yet dying right now, but if he would, what piece of advice would he leave behind?
In the video, a man asked Dr. Lennox what his parting words would be to his children. He said, “Not only for my children but for anybody in the world.” Then he goes on (in summary), “We’re wasting so much time, especially in digital gadgets, instead of having deeper fellowship with God in His Word.”
That’s true in our generation. Many would say, “I’m too busy, I don’t have time.” But if we check our phone usage settings, we spend hours and hours each day on our digital gadgets doing, watching, or playing something not truly relevant or profitable for our callings from God.
Dr. Lennox adds, “Christians cannot make any difference in the world if they are not having deep fellowship with God through His Word.” Husbands cannot expect to lead and love their wives well without growing in the knowledge of Christ and His love for the church. Parents cannot expect to bring up godly children without embracing and living out God’s Word. Believers cannot expect to influence their unbelieving family and friends to believe in Christ without having a solid grasp of the gospel.
There is just no shortcut to spiritual maturity. God’s Word is the means for faith and growth in faith. We need to pour ourselves into the Word of God. As Peter wrote, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…” (1 Peter 2:2).
Being a pastor too, I have the privilege of regular exposure to the Word of God. But that blessing can easily be taken for granted. Pastors can do the routine of reading and studying the Bible as part of their “duty” as ministers rather than as Christians who must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Many pastors fall into the tendency of opening the Bible for the sake of a sermon, rather than for the sake of personal growth.
Before we are pastors of God’s flock, we are first Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ. Before we are undershepherds, we are also his sheep—always in need of the protection, guidance, and nourishment of the Great Shepherd.
How do we receive such divine shepherdly care? Through God’s Word and prayer.
Because of these realizations, I need to set greater discipline for daily pouring myself into God’s Word, studying and meditating on it prayerfully, and believing that God will graciously make Himself known more. As a Christian and a pastor, I should be a man of one book—the Bible. Then, once I’m fed and satisfied, I’ll have something to say to the world.
Let’s remember the words of Paul, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
