Learning is pretty popular these days. It's a honorable endeavor. Everyone should enjoy learning new things. But what is the goal? Why am I digging deep in a book, drawing out information, and inserting it dutifully into my brain? What is the ultimate endgame of the matter?
Solomon, by all accounts one of the wisest people ever to live, declares:
"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh." Ecclesiastes 12:12
I think we all can relate to this admonishment. Studying is good, but in much study - without the life that comes from a rich relationship with Christ - this studying can be a weariness to us. Paul even warns that some are "ever learning" but never come to the knowledge of the Truth. That said... where's the balance? How should we think about learning in context of our faith?
"Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
I am not writing this little blog post pretending that I know the balance... but I do know that the Bible speaks about learning and acquiring information - presenting a singular goal of ultimate worth: Knowing God. In all of our information-getting, in all of our studying, in all of our application of our minds to learning... let's prioritize getting to know the One who knows all things. Jesus says to us:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29
May you have real joy in your life as you learn of Christ!
-DAJ
Solomon, by all accounts one of the wisest people ever to live, declares:
"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh." Ecclesiastes 12:12
I think we all can relate to this admonishment. Studying is good, but in much study - without the life that comes from a rich relationship with Christ - this studying can be a weariness to us. Paul even warns that some are "ever learning" but never come to the knowledge of the Truth. That said... where's the balance? How should we think about learning in context of our faith?
"Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
I am not writing this little blog post pretending that I know the balance... but I do know that the Bible speaks about learning and acquiring information - presenting a singular goal of ultimate worth: Knowing God. In all of our information-getting, in all of our studying, in all of our application of our minds to learning... let's prioritize getting to know the One who knows all things. Jesus says to us:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29
May you have real joy in your life as you learn of Christ!
-DAJ