Knowing Is Not Enough (1)
He that hath My commandments, and KEEPETH them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21
Knowing is not enough. James 1:22 states that we must be doers of the word, and not hearers only. The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul (Psalm 19:7a) – but that only takes place when we read it and heed it The testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple (Psalm 19:7b) – but that only takes place when we read it and heed it. The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart (Psalm 19:8a) – but that will only happen when we read it and heed it. The commandment of the Lord is pure and giveth light unto the eyes (Psalm 19:8b) – but that only takes place when we read it and heed it. If we hear it and even read it and fail to make personal application in our lives, James 1:22 states that we only deceive ourselves. Simply reading it or hearing it may temporarily sooth our consciences and bring a moment of strength and comfort, but if we fail to apply it, we cheat ourselves or deceive ourselves by false reasoning. Listening to or reading the Word of God is only the beginning.
We know that God is perfect, His Word is true and His promises are faithful. We know that He heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 147:3; 34:18) — but that only takes place when we apply it in our lives personally. Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). It is clear that we must DO SOMETHING beyond reading and hearing. We can cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7), but just knowing this truth is not enough.
There comes a point when the believer in Jesus Christ needs to put all of the head knowledge to work in the heart. Spiritual growth will only take place when KNOWLEDGE IS APPLIED. It is in keeping the Word of God that we gain an intimate relationship with Him.
There is another problem here and that is the fact that just hearing the Word is no guarantee that there will be knowledge afterward. You have to hear with the heart. Hearing the Word should whet your appetite to want to hear more of it. When you hear with your heart, you will take the initiative to read, study, and meditate on the Word on your own. Real knowledge requires some digging and part of the problem of many Christians is laziness. God is not going to pour truths into your soul that you can find by reading or studying His Word. Knowing about the love of God and knowing the God of love are two different matters. To know Him is to experience that love in your life personally. And, the more you know Him, the more you will experience many other aspects of His provision for your life, such as: joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, patience, mercy, and so many other benefits that come with intimate knowledge.
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.