To guard and observe the Word of Christ is to treat the Scriptures as a precious possession. It is to read the Word, to study it carefully, to memorize portions, to talk about the Word to other Christians, and to attend assemblings of believers where the Word of God is expounded by prayerful, holy people. It is to come boldly to the Throne of Grace and ask for Divine assistance so we may do what the Word commands.

If the major part of our time, attention, and interest is occupied with the cares of this life, not with that which Christ has said, then we are not candidates for the keeping power of Christ.

If the Lord Jesus were to guard us anyway, even though we have been careless with His Word, He Himself would be breaking the Scriptures. But the Scriptures cannot be broken.

The overcomers will learn, to their unutterable delight and rejoicing in the Day of the Lord, that the Scriptures cannot be broken. The careless will learn, to their wretchedness and despair in the Day of the Lord, that the Scriptures cannot be broken. They will turn against their teachers who, perhaps for the love of material gain and popularity, have counseled them that although they are not diligent in adhering to the Scriptures they will be delivered by grace and mercy.

If we are careless in guarding His Word, Christ will be careless in guarding us in the hour of trouble.

Notice that it is the word of Christ's patience, His endurance.

One of the noteworthy characteristics of the victorious saint is his or her willingness to keep the Word of Christ year after year even though there is little excitement, little observable success in ministry, little recognition of his or her steady application and faithfulness.

Many believers will walk as Christians provided there is attention and fanfare being given to what is taking place. But God's worthies, those who are able through Christ to turn the valleys of weeping into wells of resurrection life, are formed slowly and patiently.

In order to make a success of the Christian discipleship, great patience must be practiced. Patience brings about a perfect work of conformity to the image of Christ. We save our souls by perseverance, by patiently plodding through the wilderness.

Those who look for a quick, easy path invite spiritual trouble. Many have started off joyfully on the highway to Zion, only to end up barren and spiritually sick in some "isolation ward" along the route. How heartbreaking! Oftentimes the deciding factor in victory in Christ is the willingness to be patient with God, with one's circumstances, with one's self. Patience! Patience, and the Kingdom of God! The Word of Christ's patience!

If we would be kept from the destructive elements that accompany the hour of testing we must patiently guard Christ's Word, being diligent to observe, through His grace, that which His Word commands.

To be continued.