It's in the Application

Some teens and I spent an afternoon at the beach this week and had a wonderful time--until an hour later when we felt the effects of the sun. We used sunscreen, but our application was amiss; some intentionally, some not. As we climbed into bed that night, moaning and groaning carried across the room. There are still moans and groans a day later--and some are my own.

(No, this is not one of us. Thanks, Wikipedia, for the sample photo.)

God's Word is much the same. We can apply it liberally, sparsely, or not at all. The sun shines and the same hardships, trials, and blessings fall. Yes, God sovereignly blesses and disciplines His own, but we are not exempt from the realities of life on planet Earth. The effects of hardship and blessing are felt differently, however, based on our application of God's truth. It's what we believe about God and His Word that makes the difference. We can carry it in our purse, take it out and read the directions, even promote it to others but if we don't apply to ourselves--properly and liberally--there is no personal benefit.

On the beach, we had varying beliefs about the effects of the sun and sunscreen. Some of us wanted the appearance of sun exposure--we wanted to look affected and blessed (but the hidden cost was pain, discomfort, and harm). Some of us thought we were protected from the sun's rays but failed to apply sunscreen as heavily or thoroughly as needed. The sun was relentless. It didn't choose one over another or show partiality. It did its job and shone its best.

The world, sin and our own sinful nature will do their job and do it well. It's what I believe about God and how I apply His Word, the gospel, to my life that makes it bearable, that makes me victorious. If I think I can handle life on my own, I will get burned. If I trust Him, despite the circumstances, He will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus and give peace (Phil. 4:6-7). The apostle Paul referred to spiritual armor instead of sunscreen. Armor or sunscreen. Either way, it's all in the application.

^"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."(Ephesians 6:10-18)