I ran across a great insight from the
Christian author, George MacDonald. My paraphrase of what he wrote goes like
this:
Most of the teachers in the church spend more time explaining
God…than obeying God. The gospel (the good news about Jesus,
forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God) is given not to redeem our understandings,
but our hearts. When that is accomplished, then – and only then – will
our understandings be set free.
This point is so true…and so often overlooked. And it strikes right at the heart
of who I am and what I do.
I
am not a scholar, but I am a thinker. I love to study and learn, and I love to
teach. I feel as if my life is, to a great extent, an ongoing pursuit of the
truth. My ministry and my calling are (among other things) to teach people the
truth contained in the Bible.
And
yet – if I am not careful – I can turn the pursuit of knowledge into an idol. If
I am not careful, I can immerse myself in study for it’s own sake and neglect
the condition of my heart and soul. If I am not careful, I can mislead our
church into thinking that more knowledge is the solution to all of life’s
issues.
The
Bible itself reminds us to keep knowledge in its proper place:
And
so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God
because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the
kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy
the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new
person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will
for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [Romans 12:1-3, New Living Translation]
I’ve always appreciated this passage,
because it does not ignore the importance of the mind. However, the Apostle Paul – writing
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – tells us that we must offer ourselves
first. If I fail to follow this timeless advice, I may increase my knowledge
without truly being transformed by God.
- Bruce
