When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment He responded, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Most Christians would respond that they do love the Lord, but I wonder how many can say they love Him with all their minds. The reason I say this is because of the shallow thinking found among many Christians today. For many, their faith is a mile wide and an inch deep. They've never seriously studied the teachings of Scripture and know only what pastors and others have taught them, and too often their teacher's knowledge of God is shallow as well. A few decades back pastors were considered the theologians of the church. Today, they are expected to be therapists who are careful not to use too much "God-talk" so as not to offend anyone.
In his book, Love Your God with All Your Mind, Christian philosopher J. P. Moreland discusses the importance of emphasizing the intellectual life to our congregations for their own personal spiritual growth and to enhance their ability to share their faith with others. Moreland goes on to tell the story of an interview Billy Graham had with Parade magazine when he was asked what he would do differently if given the chance. He responded, "I would have studied more. I would have gotten my PhD in anthropology."
I am now approaching my 75th birthday, and I believe my answer would have been similar. I wish I had pursued a PhD in theology or apologetics to deepen my knowledge about God and my relationship with Him. Not that a particular degree makes a person a better Christian or even a more knowledgeable Christian (I know too many people with a PhD degree that I am convinced stands for Post Hole Digger because even a post hole digger knows more about God than they do!).
Today I am in a serious study of the attributes of God so that I might know Him better. There are times in my study that I have to stop and simply praise Him for that particular attribute. Not only does it help me better know God, it also helps me see how that attribute has impacted my life. Such an understanding naturally leads to worship.
How would you describe your own knowledge of God? How much time do you spend studying the Scriptures to see what they have to teach you? Can you honestly say your faith has grown in the past year? The past 5 years? What about since the day you prayed asking Jesus Christ into your life? I've known many Christians who's faith never grew beyond the day of their baptism. If this describes you, what are you going to do about it? Let me make a suggestion if you want to change this in your life; read Moreland's book to start with. When you finish his book, begin to read other books that are written by serious biblical scholars and theologians. Listen to podcasts from similar people. It's Ok if some of it is over your head. You're learning. As you learn more about God you will find your faith will begin to deepen. You will find it easier to worship. You will find it easier to share your faith with others. You will be amazed at how your life will change.
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