I'd like to share a personal story with you guys. I learn really well by listening, and podcasts are my jam. I love to occupy my mind with good things while I am physically doing something that I consider mundane - driving, dishes, folding laundry, binding printed materials, editing photos. I have gravitated toward some podcasts lately that focus heavily on biblical themes, theological topics, or practical topics through the eyes of a biblical worldview. Not only do I enjoy the subject matter, but I also love the insights into the lives of the people that I'm listening to.
However, I caught myself (through the Lord's gracious conviction) enjoying these podcasts and other theological study topics more than I enjoyed time with God in prayer and study of his Word. It is as if I want to learn a whole lot about God and other people's opinions about his Word more than I want to come to God and grow my friendship with him.
This conviction brought a question to mind that I think is a question for more than myself: Is my study of theology growing my love and affection for Jesus, or is it feeding my tendency toward confirmation bias?
I'm reading the opinions of people that I agree with. I'm listening to the words of people that affirm my own opinions about sticky topics. I'm gaining knowledge, but that knowledge is not immediately encouraging me toward heart change. The problems don't stop here - is all of this study helping me to love my neighbor? To approach today's issues with compassion and truth? To handle the hearts of my children and my community with delicate care?
Do I look more like Jesus than I did before I started all of this study? If I can't say yes, I need to re-direct my efforts.
God's words through Paul in 1 Corinthians: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:1-2)
If you identify with any of these observations, join me in praising God for his work in our lives.
If you're interested in hearing what podcasts I've been binging lately, here you go:
Sincerely,
Samantha Metheny | Executive Administrator
samantha@veritasfayetteville.com