Obstacles to Haveing the Right Attitude...

What might hinder us from understanding God's word ?
One obstacle is a misplaced feeling of loyalty.
For example ,
you may hold the beliefs and opinions of certain ones in high esteem..
However , what if theses individuals do not really uphold or value the truth of God's Word ?
Under such circumstances ,
to understand what the Bible really teaches may present a challenge..
Thus, the Bible encourages us to assess carefully what we have been taught.
{ 1 Thessalonians 5:21 }

Jesus' mother , Mary faced, such a challenge...
She was brought up according to Jewish tradition.
She carefully observed the Mosaic Law and doubtless went to the synagogue..
Later in life she recognized that the way of worship that her parents had taught her was no longer acceptable to God..
Consequently , Mary accepted Jesus' teaching and was among the first members of the Christian congregation.
{ Acts 1:13,14 }

This was not showing disrespect for her parents or their traditions;
rather, it was an expression for her love for God..

If we are to benefit from the Bible, like Mary we must put our loyalty
to God before loyalty to anyone else..
Sadly, many people put little value on Bible truth..
Some are content to follow religious traditions that are based on falsehood.
Others show disregard for truth in their speech and way of life..

Accordingly, accepting Bible truth comes at a price..
It may out you at odds with friends, neighbors, workmates, and even your family..
{ John 17:14 }
Neverless , the wise man wrote: " Buy truth itself and do not sell it."
{ Proverbs 23:23 }
If you hold truth in high esteem, Jehovah will help you to understand the Bible..

Still another obstacle to comprehending the Bible's message is an unwillingness to apply what it says..
Jesus told his disciples:
" To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the Kingdom of the heavens, but to thoses people it is not granted..
For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears
they have heard without response."
{ Matthew 13:11, 15 }
Most of those to whom Jesus preached were unresponsive , unwilling to change..

How unlike the traveling merchant Jesus spoke of in an illustration !
Upon finding a pearl of high value , the merchant promptly sold all the things he had to buy it..
Understanding Bible truth should be equally precious to us..
{ Matthew 13:45,46 }