I've been yammering about the scientific method and the built-in acknowledgement of the limitations of our best human understanding. You may have read, already, that scientific advancement is predicated upon the proposition that some of what we now know is incomplete or wrong.
Interestingly, there seems to be a parallel process in spiritual growth. Just as scientific knowledge develops by adapting, growing, or invalidating old beliefs, so too does spiritual knowledge. We are admonished in scripture to develop our understanding and wisdom:
and
These passages clearly imply a process that involves moving from less to more knowledge in the affairs of God.
God desires spiritual growth. This isn't to say that we all should be packing up for seminary, because the Bible also tells that any Wisdom we may experience is a gift via the Spirit, therefore I recommend that we remember the limitations that will always be inherent in our knowledge.
If part of what I "know " today is wrong, then how do I know what part is in error? Well, what are the things that I "know" that weren't taught by the Spirit? That's a good place to start looking.
Q: Why look?
A: Because I think He wants us to.
Interestingly, there seems to be a parallel process in spiritual growth. Just as scientific knowledge develops by adapting, growing, or invalidating old beliefs, so too does spiritual knowledge. We are admonished in scripture to develop our understanding and wisdom:
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!- Proverbs 23:22-25 NIV
and
"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.- Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV
These passages clearly imply a process that involves moving from less to more knowledge in the affairs of God.
God desires spiritual growth. This isn't to say that we all should be packing up for seminary, because the Bible also tells that any Wisdom we may experience is a gift via the Spirit, therefore I recommend that we remember the limitations that will always be inherent in our knowledge.
If part of what I "know " today is wrong, then how do I know what part is in error? Well, what are the things that I "know" that weren't taught by the Spirit? That's a good place to start looking.
Q: Why look?
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."- Psalm 51:6
A: Because I think He wants us to.
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