If we approach the discovery of truth with any intent other than to obey the truth, it is not likely that we’ll find the truth we’re looking for. Getting the right answers to our questions depends greatly on our reasons for asking those questions.
Jesus asked some of his followers, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” True seekers are not content until their knowledge has become godly action. What we learn in the library must be lived in the neighborhood.
Is there anything a wise person wouldn’t give up in order to have God? The privilege of knowing God through Christ so far surpasses the value of everything else that Paul said he would gladly “count all things loss” in order to have this one thing.
In Christ, it is important that we see God as our Friend. God is not only lovable; He is also likeable. We may not only adore Him; we may also trust Him. It is not only our duty to worship Him; it is our privilege to spend time with Him.
In the long run, that which we receive from God will turn out to be the thing we’ve most honestly and deeply wanted, not what we’ve pretended to want. God acts on the basis of what He sees when He looks into the very depths of our true will.
Those who love God will keep His commandments, certainly. But more than that, it is only those who genuinely love God who will find His commandments easy. That which would be burdensome to willpower alone is found by love to be light indeed.
The ugly, painful hardship of human experience does not contradict or call into question the love of God. Rather, that is where we learn God’s love the best. The way to God is not over, under, or around our difficulties — it is through them.
Anything that stirs up our self-sufficiency is something that will hinder our wisdom, while those things that humble us and remind us of our dependence on God are those that increase our wisdom. Whatever increases pride, contributes to foolishness.
Our emotions need to be managed wisely. Faithful discipleship often comes down to good stewardship of such things as our feelings. Discipline does not mean denying our emotions. It means training them — to help us live for God’s glory!
Our obedience must be grounded in our love for God. Our love must be determined by our knowledge of God. And our knowledge of Him must come from His own self-revelation in the Scriptures. Each of these reinforces the other to help us grow.
