Have you ever ran into somebody who could quote the Bible like nobody’s business and simultaneously cut someone to pieces with their words as if they were a child of the devil? How is this so? How is it that someone can be so mean and nasty, while still having such a strong foundation in God’s Words? Is it possible to be grounded theologically and to master the biblical text, while not bearing the likeness of Christ?
If so, maybe it has something to do with how we read our bible. It seems very easy to read the bible only to gain knowledge and build up more information in our heads. However, it is a completely different task to engage the bible spiritually, allowing God’s Word to shape and mold you into a new creation. How do we read these inspired words in a way that it forms us into a people that reflect God faithfully as his children?
Is our biblical reading for transformation in our lives and communities or is it just more information that we can wield and use to impress others? Are we allowing God’s word to master us, letting it rearrange our lives to be in line with Him, or do we try to master God’s Word so that we can use it for our purpose and for our own agenda? Freestyle with me…
Drew G. I. Hart 
Thank you for this post. Honestly I have read a few of your blogs, but only skimmed through them. I was catching up on my blogs this morning and this one really hit me. Lately I have been struggling understanding so many things regarding my faith and growing spiritually. This has made me think about several things. Thank you again.
Humbly,
No Problem. Thanks for periodically stopping by and especially for sharing how this impacted you. It’s not strange to struggle, in fact its normal. That’s why its a journey. The problem usually comes when we think about spirituality as a science and apply “formula’s” to it, rather than a relational journey with the God of the universe. Hope we can continue the dialogue, take care!
Just in my walk I have come to realize that I have been in the past the person who was judgemental and not understanding of other people in their struggles. I will seek knowledge without wisdom or understanding. I am still on this journey. In some ways I think I am just starting the journey.
I think you missed one other reason…at least my reason… for literally hungering for the Word each day. I miss my Father’s closeness during the day. I miss feeling intimate with Him, just Him. I need to get away from the busyness of life and hear what He has to say to me. I need to sit on His lap and enjoy His presence. It is a need both physical and psychological. Perhaps some of that is from not having a father I could run to growing up. Perhaps that is where my life is at now. Perhaps is a blessed hunger that God has put in my heart because he desires me as much or more than I desire Him. Perhaps it is because He wanted me to share with those who read your blog that He hungers for that kind of love relationship with each of them as well. Perhaps it is for all these reasons since God never does anything just for one purpose……How great is our God….
Drew,
I received The Gorgeous Blogger Award today, and would hereby like to present the GBA to you, one of the writers who most inpires me on the Internet. You are not only a gorgeous blogger, you are a thoughtful, sincere, loving man. Please come by my blog to copy the award, so you can post it here and let everyone know you’re A GB!
Pam
Its 2:00 am; wednesday morning; thanks for these blogs! We need to freestyle when you get a chance.
Thanks for taking the time to come thru the site… much appreciated. Glad the freestyles are meaningful late in the midnight hour when it is needed!!!