“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV)
For now we see dimly in a mirror. We don’t know what we don’t know. I am no rocket scientist. I don’t even know the first thing about rocket science. I am so ignorant of rocket science that I am totally ignorant of the things I have not learned. I don’t know even the first thing I would need to learn. As I would start to learn the basics, I would soon discover that there is so much more to this science than I ever imagined.
They say that ignorance is bliss. I am not sure how true that is. The first step in growth and overcoming life challenges is to recognize there are things you don’t know. It is a miserable life to think you know it all and then wonder why you are struggling in so many ways. Being teachable is the first step towards growth and overcoming the challenges we face.
Be Curious
When we were little, we asked so many questions. We asked why the sky is blue. We asked why the grass is green. We probably wore our parents out with our questions. But somewhere along the way we lost the curiosity. We stopped asking the questions. But it is through asking questions that we grow in faith and knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about God and faith. He is a big God and is bigger than any question you might ask. Don’t hesitate to ask the hard questions.
Seek Knowledge
When you ask the question, seek knowledge. Seek to understand. God’s creation is amazing. And the more you learn, the more equipped you will be to experience God’s abundance. God created you to win at life. God wants you to experience abundance in every part of your life.
I have found that there is no better way to acquire knowledge than by reading. Not reading Facebook or blog posts, but reading books. There is something to be said for long form reading. We live in a soundbite, quote, and cliche world. We often lack depth in understanding and wisdom. Reading books helps us achieve a depth of knowledge.
But don’t stop there. There are so many ways in our modern world to acquire knowledge. There is no area of your life where you cannot find a book, a video, or podcast on the subject.
Apply knowledge
Maybe the most important thing that we can do is apply the knowledge we learn. King Solomon said:
“My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, ESV)
Sometimes the last thing we need is to read another book or participate in another Bible study. We haven’t taken what we learned in the last one and applied the knowledge. Being filled with facts and knowledge does us no good unless we put it to work.
One of the things that I work hard to do after I finish a book is to write down my top 10 take-a-ways from the book. After I write down my take-a-ways I write down three things I will do differently having this new knowledge. Then I seek to do them.
Reflection
- What is one skill or discipline that you are currently focused on learning?
- What is the last non-fiction book you read? What were your top three take-a-ways? Have you put anything into practice from your reading?
- Why do you think learning is an important life long skill?
Beth Pierce says
This blog has helped me so much to focus my daily devotions during Lent. I’m also reading your book, 40 Things to Give Up for Lent and Beyond. Thank you for sharing these with the world!