Disciplined Instruction

The writer of Proverbs penned the words, "Give yourselves to disciplined instruction, open your ears to tested knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12)
One of the easiest things for many of us to do is to believe what we are told or taught without ever seeking to validate the knowledge shared. As a believer in Christ, we have an obligation to avoid blind belief in everything we are taught or are exposed to over the course of our lives. There is an expectation that we will apply ourselves to learning - active, involved, frequent and committed study of the Scriptures. It is the goal of this blog to offer words of wisdom, thoughts that challenge, and even subtle humor that draws us closer together in the Lord.

Disciplined instruction is characterized by that which produces development of self-control (something I lack more than I'd like to admit), obedient actions (now I've gone and meddled), and orderly conduct. We often "bristle against" anything that smacks of discipline or obedience - or am I alone in this? It challenges us and often requires that dreaded thing: "change". For many of us, nothing challenges us more than being called upon to actually change - after all, aren't we pretty good just the way we are?

God expects that we will be open to the correction that he identifies as necessary in our lives as we apply ourselves to gaining that deep, intense spiritual knowledge he desires to share with us. Study of the Bible can be a difficult pursuit for even the best scholar, but nothing ventured is nothing gained. I am always looking for an easy way to understand what seems difficult. But, take heart, I have not invested in the yellow paperbound book, "The Bible for Dummies". We are each given a tutor to take us verse by verse through these 66 books known as the Holy Bible. He is the Holy Spirit and he is an awesome teacher - all he needs is attentive students.

As truth is revealed in the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, correction will inevitably be called for in our lives. Oh, don't get your undies in a bundle! The simple truth is that none of us "lines up" to the characteristics of a righteous, obedient servant of Christ 100% of the time. We struggle with ALWAYS being honest, ALWAYS being kind, ALWAYS being loving ... get the point? The writer of Romans even went so far to point out this fact when he recorded, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

God not only asks that we are disciplined in exploring what he has for us in his Word, the Bible, but that we examine the knowledge we receive, putting it to use in our lives on a daily basis. Knowledge applied is powerful - bringing change, release, and uplift to our inner character. All action begins in thought - applying the Word to our thoughts gives us a basis for actions that are sound, on target, and productive of good things in our lives.

So, the challenge of this blog will be to present the Word, simple truths contained within, in such a manner that challenges us, encourages us to make adjustments where necessary and keeps us moving in the right direction. I do not presuppose to be a subject-matter-expert as it comes to the Word of God. Rather, I am a faithful follower of Christ, called to share his Word in a simple way. Nothing more, nothing less.

Looking forward to sharing from the Word as God gives revelation of the truths contained within.

Comments

  1. Thank you for blogging! I look forward to being challenged to actually change.

    ReplyDelete

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