It comes around every couple years. I get an exciting e-mail from my wireless provider, that lets me know I'm eligible to get a new phone at a discount. I was able to make the upgrade this past weekend. And my new Droid 2 in its fashionable pink, gel cover sits on the counter, beckoning me to come and 'play.' Wow! Do I have a lot to learn! From the basics, to all the advanced stuff it can do, I'm sure this Friday's tutorial session will help answer my many questions. And maybe serve to bring up some questions I don't even know I have yet!
Adjusting to a full keyboard to type text messages was pretty easy. Figuring out how to pair my phone with my earpiece - a different story. Although Bluetooth technology has been around for years, this is my first experience with it. So I'm battling the learning curve.
But I have to say I feel pretty tech savvy these days, as I tell my daughter about the cool apps I've been able to install on my phone. There's a constellation app that shows me the stars and their names when I hold my phone up to the sky. Then there's the app that lets me scan barcodes and check local prices to make sure I'm getting the best deals. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the app that keeps me up to date on all the local yard sales, and even gives me directions to all of them!
Things I didn't even know existed, are accessible with the touch of my fingertip. But I've had to spend some time reading manuals and digging for the information I need, just to become familiar with the basics. In order to take full advantage of everything my new phone can do, I'm sure I'll have to invest more time pouring over the instruction manual and getting used to new functions.
In much the same way, the God of the universe has given me amazing truths in His Word, the Bible. When I spend time in His instruction manual, I'm able to glean wisdom not only for the challenges I face today, but I can also discern the direction He has for my future. But I can't expect to unearth all of this great information without devoting much time and effort to the careful study of His Word.
The Bible contains both milk and meat. Things that are easily digested and some things that can only be digested by the more mature. Peter encourages believers to grow, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2; KJV). The writer of Hebrews challenges us beyond this stage, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).
Solomon, the wisest man of all time, penned the following words, "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Proverbs 1:2-5). How important it is to know the true source of knowledge. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).
My desire is to continue as a student at the feet of the Master, fulfilling the words of 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There will always be more to learn - more gems to mine from the pages of scripture, more hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Yes, it will take time to discover all that the Lord wants to show me, but the time spent in the excavation process will be well worth it!
Are you stagnant in your relationship with the Lord? Do you desire to know Him and the plan He has for you? If so, what are you waiting for? Dig into His Word today and get ready to grow!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord that Your Word is alive and active. You desire for me to know You, and You have great plans for me. Help me to spend time daily reading and studying Your Word. Help me to grow into the mature Christian You'd have me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
