It takes a lot of soap to get rid of the germs of this world! Sin can be understood in ways very similar to disease; in 2 Timothy 2:17 Paul compares the destructive effect of false teaching to the disease of cancer. So how do we overcome the disease-like effect of sin? How do we flourish and remain healthy in a world so full of deadly spiritual “germs”? Use SOAP! I came across this catchy acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. During these difficult times of covid 19 we are constantly being encouraged to wash our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds as a simple and effective means of combating the Corona virus. In the same way the frequent application of a little spiritual soap will do wonders for our ability to protect ourselves from the deadly impact of sin.
Scripture – God’s word is powerful. We can be assured that if used it will accomplish wonderful things in our life; like making us strong and healthy in a spiritually germ filled environment!
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
God’s word will accomplish the great things He designed it to accomplish in our lives …if we use it!
Observation – It is important that we give serious thought to the things that we read in scripture.
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2
The Hebrew word for “meditate” can be understood as describing the act of talking to yourself. The Psalmist is pointing out the fantastic blessing of talking to yourself about the word of God. These kinds of self-talks are very important in our ability to understand God’s word, to fall in love with His word, to “delight” in His word. To do that we need to let His ideas and principles sort of simmer and stew in our mind. Many people find it helpful to keep a daily journal of their thoughts and impressions about what they have just read in God’s word. What is important is the repetitive engagement in making observations about God’s word.
Application – For us to be successful in protecting ourselves from the deadly impact of sin we must make an honest effort at a daily application of the principles we read about and observe in scripture.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
As you study God’s word get used to asking yourself: “What is the lesson I can apply to myself”? God is telling Joshua and us that we will have “good success” when we apply the scriptures first and foremost to ourselves.
Prayer – Paul often used prayer to help those he taught to come to a better understanding of God’s word:
“…making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” Ephesians 1:16-17
Every day we need to be asking God for help and guidance in coming to a better understanding of His will as it is revealed in scripture. Being confident in the promise of Jesus: “Ask and it will be given to you…” The frequent application of a little spiritual “soap” will do wonderful things in your life!