To know And To Do

But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Tim 4:7-8

 

I’ve always loved to learn but my idea of knowledge was challenged and changed when, in a previous job, I learned to develop training materials. I learned that knowledge itself is simply not enough because what isn’t practiced gets buried beneath the stuff that is, and ultimately lost. And I remember the practice aspect being the hardest to develop because it required a lot of strategic thinking. I was challenged outside my comfort zone, having to work harder with knowledge, instead of just soaking it all in. That was a true bubble buster of a lesson for me. 

 

Scripture mentions the importance of training more than just once. It encourages us to do more than just read it, but to practice it and use it in our lives. Training pushes us to go deeper than information consumption to turn mere head knowledge into new habits and character changes. 

In terms of training, spiritual training is of top priority, and because our natural focus is on what is tangible and fleshly, it requires that we work outside our comfort zones. It focuses on the spiritual man, therefore, it’s not so appealing to the flesh. We won’t always understand it and it won’t come natural without twice the dedication and practice. But it is the only kind of training that has eternal benefits. It disciplines the flesh to seek God, awakening our spiritual senses to recognize just how much we need Him. And since we cannot see the spiritual realm, we need God’s constant presence and guidance even more. We have to trust Him to be our light in the darkness, guiding our every step. We also have to learn to hear Him.

 

Thankfully, God  provides us with many training opportunities in life. He uses our circumstances and relationships as training ground that will grow and stretch us. And it’s okay when we mess up because God’s grace provides us with plenty of “second chances.” His strength is enough to cover all our weaknesses. 

You see, training opportunities aren't there just for practice, but they’re also invitations to keep following Jesus and trusting Him when He calls us out of our comfort zone. The invitation is to draw near and focus on God. This training ground is also proof that God really does make things work for our benefit…even the really tough things.

 

Don’t let what you’re learning become mere head knowledge. Make the most of the gift in the lesson by training until it becomes second nature. And remember, the journey will seem overwhelming and the enemy will try to persuade you that you've gone far enough already. But Jesus is also speaking. He is whispering the truth gently and repeatedly, “Beloved child, take my hand and get back up. You aren’t finished yet. I still have plans for you.”