Art Of Learning!

When in college, I can remember at the beginning of each term looking at the stack of books I was going to have to read for each of the courses I signed up to take. It seemed to be an overwhelming sight. I remember one of those books being almost three inches thick. However, as I focused on the breakdown of the material week by week, though there was still much to read, it was not quite so intimidating. Even now, as I begin each week and consider the lessons I need to prepare for classes and preaching, I can feel overwhelmed until I consider the daily increments in which it will get done. For several years I have set up a daily list on my desk calendar to plan out how much reading and meditation will be done for each of the lessons I am preparing. This serves a two-fold purpose. One is to help me see whether or not I am remaining on target through the week. The other is so that I have plotted out my study time in daily segments that allow me to meditate on and absorb what I am studying rather than finding myself drowning in information.

There is much we may recognize we don’t know and want to learn. That acknowledgement alone has cause some to not even want to begin. However, when we consider the way we best learn, we can still approach our gaining of knowledge in an eager and encouraging way.

Note a statement recorded by Isaiah.
“For it is PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT, PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT, LINE UPON LINE, LINE UPON LINE, HERE A LITTLE, THERE A LITTLE.” ( Isaiah 28:10 ESV)

It is possible that verse nine begins a taunt by some who felt the prophet’s message was not very grand or did not amount to much. Were they to be treated and taught like children? Sometimes the simplest and most beautiful truths are missed by those who think they are so smart and well educated. Perhaps these individuals are like those Paul stated are “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” ( 2 Timothy 3:7 ESV) Though the principle mentioned in verse ten may not have been stated in a positive manner, our way of picking up the wonderful life changing truths of God’s Word is still GRADUALLY precept by precept, line by line, here a little and there a little -- all ADDING UP to instruction that furthers the maturing process. It is the way these were going to be taught! ( Isaiah 28:13) Are we open to it?

May we recognize how every bit of truth we glean from God should be considered a big thing for our life. As children of God we are to be CONSTANTLY GROWING “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ( 2 Peter 3:18 ESV) Let us allow that grace and knowledge to continue being GRADUALLY, but STEADILY drawn into our minds and translated into our actions.

Have a great day EAGERLY LEARNING AND PRACTICING GOD’S WILL!
Carl

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