I was riding in the car with my dad one day as a little girl, encouraging him to, “Go faster, Daddy, faster!” His response was puzzling, “I can't go faster, Kimmy, this car has a governor on it.” He patiently explained how a governor controls and regulates the vehicle's speed.
The definition of “govern” is to control the actions or behavior of; guide, direct. If you commit to being a “woman of the Word,” you are choosing God's Word as the “governor” over your life.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” Now let's read verse 17 and see the purpose: “So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (NASB). The Word of God is intended to affect our thinking and actions, and to equip us for every good work.
Too bad this “governor” isn't automatically installed. But here's the good news: Fill your mind with the truth of Scripture, and if you allow it to, Scripture will become the “governor” over your thoughts. Word-filled minds lead to Word-driven behavior.
Here's how it should work: A loved one throws a verbal jab and a bit of destructive criticism. You're tempted to retaliate with heated fury! But before you lose your cool, you stop and process your reaction through the grid of Scripture. Hopefully you've become familiar with a few helpful verses like 1 Peter 3:8-9 or Eph. 4:29. Just knowing or thinking about these Scriptures won't automatically guarantee obedience, but having Word-filled thoughts puts us in the position to allow Scripture to “govern” our lives.
Interested? Then start with Psalm 119:50-72 and notice how the Psalmist uses God's Word to help him respond to attack.
How about you? Do you want God's Word to be your governor? If so, what steps can you take today to ensure that His Word controls your thoughts and actions?
