Question: Does Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” apply to us today?

Answer: This scripture in Hosea was referring to the LORD warning the ancient Israelites of the suffering they would endure for choosing to live against the laws of God. Often, today’s Believers also fail to understand and follow some of the basic teachings of our faith. This is a problem because this lack of knowledge can lead to many ungodly personal decisions which can result in a host of bad consequences. Usually, this happens when Believers fail to grow in the understanding of the Scriptures. They forget the importance of regularly reading and studying God’s Holy Word. In fact, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ( 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV )

Of course, the first and most important way one shows their approval by God is to accept His Only Son, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They acknowledge that Jesus, who was without sin, died on the cross to take the punishment we all deserve as sinners. They know that He rose again on the third day and lives with our Father God in heaven. (Read Matthew 4:17, John 3:16, John 14:6) Therefore, they will ask Jesus to forgive their sins, repent (turn away from their sins), and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior!

Then, even after accepting Christ as Savior, some Believers fail to prioritize their need to live their lives to please Him. They prefer to take shortcuts like only listening to preachers and Bible teachers who just tell them what they want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:1-4) They may not want to hear or read any parts of God’s Word that says there can still be earthly consequences for our sinful choices even after we are saved. They prefer to listen only to those who tell them to blame others for their circumstances – even if the fault is only their own.

If we fail to learn about and follow God’s Word concerning our sexual behavior, nurturing our marriage, raising our children, being kind to others, handling money, or any other situation of life, we are not living to please God! When we are guilty of these things, Believers must ask God for forgiveness and pray for God’s Holy Spirit to guide them as they repent of these sins. (Read 1 John 1:9)

Christians will fail to understand the whole story about God’s Word if we don’t accept that God loves us, and He expects us to serve Him with gladness! In fact, Our Father has made many wonderful promises to us as Believers. He will bless us if we follow His Word and serve Him. By serving God, we can take comfort in knowing that our God is faithful in providing for our needs. And, we know that God always keeps His promises!

So Believers, remember that in order to get the whole story, you must read and study God’s Word. Don’t suffer or be destroyed for lack of knowledge!