Strong spirits: are you learning?

Even though it's summer, a time we equate with vacation and school being out, I want you to think about study.  It's one of the best things we can do to grow our spiritual life.  And most of us are pretty poor at it.

The discipline of study is one of the ways that God can speak to us.  And not just the Bible (though certainly that) and not just books (though certainly those).  God can also speak to us through our study of the natural world, our study of circumstances and situations, our study of relationships, art and music, and much more.  The challenge is to take time to study.

"...turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes understanding."  (Proverbs 2:2-6)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  King David (Psalm 19:1,2)

Summer might be the perfect time to take on a new field of study.  Maybe a book of the Bible.  Maybe a topic from the Bible.  Maybe a devotional classic.  Maybe something you have been meaning to study for some time.  Study makes our minds strong, and a strong mind helps make for a strong spirit as well.

Be a student in the school of life!

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.