Measuring Spirituality
How does one measure spirituality? Years ago I would've said "knowledge of the Bible". The people I looked up to could quote Scripture left and right. The were Bible junkies...people who'd beat your pants off playing Bible Trivia Pursuit.
As I got older I became a little more discerning. I noticed something disturbing: many of the Bible know-it-alls treated others poorly. They had little compassion...a terrible temper...were extremely judgmental or critical...etc. I would now argue that there's very little correlation between knowledge of the Bible and Spiritual maturity.
What I'm saying is this--it's not how much of the Bible you know that makes you mature--it's how much of the Bible you live out.
Thoughts? Comments?
As I got older I became a little more discerning. I noticed something disturbing: many of the Bible know-it-alls treated others poorly. They had little compassion...a terrible temper...were extremely judgmental or critical...etc. I would now argue that there's very little correlation between knowledge of the Bible and Spiritual maturity.
What I'm saying is this--it's not how much of the Bible you know that makes you mature--it's how much of the Bible you live out.
Thoughts? Comments?
posted by Pastor Phil Print at 7:22 AM
8 Comments:
I don't believe one has to be the enemy of the other. The more we know God through the revealed truth of His word, the more we will love & trust Him, & thereby be confident enough to love others as ourselves. We are instructed to 'grow in grace & in the knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 3:18). The 2 seem to be inseparable.
Being an ornery know-it-all is a character flaw that many people have, Christian or otherwise (ask me how I know!).
Interesting comments. I agree that just knowing what the Bible says doesn't do much in terms of forming a relationship with Christ. But it is a guideline for how to live a Christ-like life. I have an informal "Bible Study" with non-CR attenders. Big point of discussion now is the living out of the Bible. Some are in the camp that Jesus loves us, so basically gives us a license to live our lives according to current societal norms. I know there are many "gray" areas in the Bible, but also issues that are explicitly addressed. What is an appropriate response to this without sounding like a judgmental hypocrite?
I agree the Word is important. Where I think we fail is when we read the Word for information and fail to do the application. If it's knowledge we're after we've missed the boat. The Word, prayer, and other disciplines are tools. The real test (Maddie's son hit it): after doing these things (using these tools) is my love for God and others increasing? Growing in knowledge--who cares. Growing in love--home run.
Interesting subject and comments...I would just remind "amazed1" that satan has great knowledge of the Bible.
amazed1...
In Pastor Phil's original post he stated "I would argue now that there's very little correlation between knowledge of the Bible and Spiritual maturity."
Then you stated "I think there's big correlation between knowledge of the Bible and Spiritual maturity." I just wanted to bring out that satan has much knowledge of the Bible, BUT has zero Spirituality. I agree with Pastor Phil's original statment. I'm not meaning we can ignore the Word!!!
I'll clarify a little--I never said Bible knowledge wasn't important. Obviously you have to read the Bible in order to live it out. My point was/is that Bible knowledge in no way makes one spiritually mature. Spiritually mature people live out the Bible. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...etc., not Bible knowledge. I used to think if I spent time every day reading the Bible I was spiritual. The truth is I was reading the Bible just to read the Bible--to check it off my list of things to do. Now, I still read the Bible (which is a good thing) but I read it for one purpose--to have it transform my life.
As far as Miss Contrary's comment, I'd agree that there are boring parts of the Bible. Some of the historical sections are snoozers. But I'd argue that much of the Bible is inspiring/interesting. I love the Gospels...following Jesus around. I also love much of the narratives. For example, read 1 Samuel. It is far from boring (in my humble opinion). Thanks for your honesty, though.
hey pastor phil - those of us who attend CR know your heart. i believe i can speak for all of us when saying that it's obvious you know & love the good book, & it has wrought a good work in you. thanks for giving us something interesting to blog about!
Silent no more in MN hit the nail on the head. Any drop of Spiritual maturity in us is due to the Holy Spirit. Gods Word becomes meaningful and desirable when we pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Thanks SNMIM.
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