Intellectually Engaged
Jesus told us that we are to love God “with all of our mind” (Mt.22:37). Of course, he listed other aspects of our humanity with which we are to love God, but this one (our mind) may seem odd, especially in a day when many people perceive their relationship with God to be an emotional or purely “spiritual” endeavor.
If we don’t recognize the responsibility to fully engage our minds as we seek to draw near to God we will surely miss out on what it means to really love God. While his transcendent nature may have several aspects which are “beyond tracing out” it is the “depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” that call our limited minds to bow in respect and adoration of the inscrutability of our amazing God (Rom.11:33).
So whether it’s at a Bible study, in a worship service, or during a prayerful walk in the park, make sure your brain is never checked out as you aspire to connect and commune with our great God.
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Pastor Mike, Your phrasing and keenly worded, perceptive messages frequently resonate with me. Your solid theological foundation grounds my day-to-day effort to understand my Holy God and my struggle to do the right thing, despite fleshly, human failings, (chiefly poor time management). Blessing abounds in my life thanks to the Lord. I praise God for how he communicates through you. Thanks for your dedication and valuable teaching. “You keep it real.” (Affirmation/encouragement double-entendre intended!). God bless you and yours.
Engaging the mind takes work, whereas imagining what God has said is much easier…kind of like a child knowing what the ocean must be like by splashing in a puddle.
Mike, I appreciate your ministry far more than you can know…thanks for your faithfulness.
When I was a student at Moody Bible Institute (class of 1986), one of my favorite classes was Apologetics, taught by Dr.Harold Foos. He was a tough teacher, but I am so thankful to God and Dr. Foos for challenging us to think critically, and to not check our brains at the door upon entering the Christian life. This class set the stage for a quest for knowledge, a Berean-like search for the Truth. While I continue my education 28 years later, I am reminded of the Moody Bible Institute’s motto: 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” NIV Praise be to God for Compass Bible Church, Focal Point, and you Pastor Mike!