Francis Bacon, in his Meditationes Sacrae (1597) is accredited with the famous quote, "Knowledge is Power." I agree with this in the basic sense. Accumulation of knowledge can be a powerful resource. But, if all that one is doing is scooping up as much information about things as they can, and then sitting on it; the power of all that knowledge atrophies.
As we all know, anyone today with a cellphone/smartphone/tablet and internet access is connected to an information-rich world 24/7. A few taps and the sliding of a finger across a touchscreen unleashes more knowledge than was ever possible a mere generation ago.
Between smartphones, tablets, and computers we are inundated with information all the time. So much so, that the only way to get away from it all is to power down our technology. But, judging from all the people walking connected to their "smart technology" of choice (yes, including myself), that would be nearly impossible.
If we want to know about something (gather knowledge) we reach for our computer, phone or tablet and search for it. We can discover and understand details and insights for just about anything. But unless we use it quickly, it dissapates until the next object of interest comes along.
Is this the way you use your Bible? Do you read it, study it, memorize it, and then lean back in your comfortable chair, wrap your hands behind your head, close your eyes, and sit there? There have been many people throughout history who knew the Bible forward and backwards but didn't do anything with it. They dropped the ball when it came to applying it to their lives; which held them back from believing and changing.
Is this you? It's commendable that you study your Bible regularly, attend church without fail, and have a memory full of verses from Scripture for any occasion that you can quote in an instant. That's great! I'm not trying to be sarcastic here. These are all wonderful qualities to have. Many of us aspire for such!
But simply understanding the Bible is not the "end all" when it comes to Bible study. We've only just gotten underway. There are matters such as illustration, which tell us how someone else handled a similar situation. Then there's relevancy, which helps us see that people in biblical times dealt with pretty much the same life lessons that we do today.
Needless to say, these two features of Bible study are very important. Yet, there is one more that for the most part seems to fall by the wayside. Where most of us are weak, or dare I say it, fail, is in application. Do you practice what you know? Can you honestly answer the question, "So what?" when it comes to what to do with all of that knowledge.
One important thing to mention about application is that it's different for everyone. This makes sense because we are all different, right? We live different lives and encounter different situations. The application of what you know is a very personal thing. Nonetheless, it is crucial to all believers.
The purpose of my message today is not to give a definitive definition of application in regards to scriptural knowledge. My intention is to bring to your attention the importance of not merely reading the Bible for the sole intention of learning about the Word of God, but applying to your life what you have learned in your daily walk with Him. Take your knowledge and put it to good use!
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15;1 Corinthians 11:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; John 14:6; Philippians 4:9
Prayer: My Dear Lord, open my heart to Your teachings and help me to apply them in my life; not only to myself, but to others as well. Amen
May you have a blessed weekend,
Abigail
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