Fifty years ago, A. W. Tozer said “people don’t really like to think for themselves; they want others to do it for them.” Since Tozer wrote those words, a media explosion has ushered us into the “information” age. But along with the flood of facts is the responsibility to evaluate what is really true. Few give this the time and discipline it requires. Too many settle for sound bites.
I am not speaking of encyclopedic knowledge (history, science, math, etc.), but of the philosophies, ideas, opinions, and points-of-view that form our worldview by telling us what to believe and who to trust. Tozer’s statement turns out to be very prophetic.
The spiritual parallel to this is the plethora of Christian books, magazines, commentaries, TV and radio programs, and websites that make it so easy for you to gather information about any Christian topic. Warning! Acquiring information is not the same as increasing in knowledge—don't confuse the two. It isn’t “information, or even knowledge that will make you free.” Jesus said “truth will make you free.”
What is truth and how do you get it? How do we move from acquiring information to growing in truth? The Holy Spirit is the only One who can turn information into knowledge, and knowledge into into "truth." (Eph. 1:17). When you read the word of God, don't take it in as though it were "information." Think of the Word of God as alive (Heb. 4:12) and able to transform you. And do not expect to understand it with your mind. But pray for revelation.
Thank you, Greg! Timely and oh so true. We need to hear this over and over.
ReplyDeleteYes, Anau, there is such a glut of easily obtained information that can make us lazy. we must all learn the hard work of digging for the treasures of truth in the words of the bible.
ReplyDeleteGreg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping our feet to the fire, so to speak. It is the truth that comes from the Son that sets us free unreservedly!
Allowing His Spirit to apply and work in us His truth is not an American tradition because we are so caught up with convenience and efficiency and pragmatic results.
Funny thing...His Spirit works in us both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure, not ours. Keeping this goal in mind is paramount if we are committed to walking in the Spirit as He desires us to do.
Stan