The 'Gift' of Learning

I was surprised. I had tentatively voiced my desire for a laptop computer, and instead of looking at me as if I'd suddenly sprouted wings, my husband, Steve, agreed that it would be a good investment. My combination birthday/Christmas present arrived the second of October; delivered directly to my doorstep. Steve was thrilled that it had been built, shipped and sent, ahead of schedule. No need to wait until my birthday, which is in mid-November, he was eager to have me open my present as soon as possible. I didn't need further coaxing.

Once the box was opened and the computer, manuals and software were removed, I realized it wasn't going to be as simple as just turning the laptop on and getting busy. There were things that needed to be set up. Page layouts that I wanted to customize. I was so used to the way everything was on our home computer, that it was a little shocking to realize that I had a lot to learn before I could even begin my first writing assignment.

Thankful for my computer-savvy husband, he walked me through the necessary steps to set up my new laptop. I must admit that just about every time I use it, I learn something new. And because it's something I enjoy, I've taken a couple of steps away from my oh-so-cautious nature, and actually tried a few new things. Unlike my perspective when I was in school, I'm realizing that learning can be fun. Being challenged is a good thing.

Have you ever stopped to consider that opening God's word, the Bible, is very similar? Whether you are new to it, or have read all 66 books several times, there is always something new to learn or consider. Hebrews 4:12 affirms this fact, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (KJV). Since our thoughts and emotions are constantly changing, God can speak to us from His word today, about a specific topic that we may not have been dealing with last week.

Sometimes we deceive ourselves into thinking that we're very familiar with everything in the Bible. The truth is, the word of God is alive and active. The gospel of John points to Jesus Christ as the Word: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth"(John 1:14). Instead of being satisfied with a quick perusal of God's word, we're wise to embrace Christ's recommendation, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"(John 15:5).

Just like I was thankful for my husband who was able to teach me how to configure my laptop, I'm very grateful for the Holy Spirit who teaches me the truth of God's word. According to John 16, the Holy Spirit of God has quite a job description: "...he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ..Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:8-11, 13; emphasis mine). The Holy Spirit is able to give us understanding, so we can accurately interpret scripture. How amazing!

God's word is His love letter to us. Are we actively reading it in order to get to know Him better? Are we able to glean wisdom from a familiar passage of scripture that we can apply to our everyday lives? Are we willing to learn the lessons He's eager to teach us? Isaiah 55:11 reassures us that God's word, "...shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Knowing that His word will accomplish its purpose, make the decision today to be a lifelong student of the Master.