Becoming a life-long learner

David Bowman March 1, 2020

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“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” ~Matthew 24:36, NLT    

One of the finest communicators and authors of the late 20th century transitioned from his longtime pastorate to the academy. He served as professor of preaching and writer in residence. His classes were packed with eager students. He was a favorite in the classroom and on the racquetball court. His was the ideal job for a man of his personal magnetism and significant accomplishment.     

However, he earned a professional doctorate and not a research doctorate, and therefore, the doctorate-bearing professors would not allow him to teach Ph.D students or to serve as their faculty advisor.      

While he was a deeply humble man and exceedingly kind, this chafed him. In one of his final chapel sermons at that institution, he demonstrated his broad knowledge of all things related to what the Bible says about proclamation. It still rings in the ear after decades.      

Embedded within that message was a line about how academia can become the relentless pursuit of less and less. His point poignantly communicated that we can fall so deeply in love with the academy that we stray from the purpose of the pursuit of knowledge.    

Jesus said there are some things angels do not know, that he did not know, that only our Father in heaven knows. No matter how much we know about less and less, there are limits to what we can know.      

There are two unwise responses to this truth. One is the attempt to prove God wrong by becoming the “World’s Foremost Expert in Everything.” The other is remaining willfully ignorant of all but the most essential things.      

King Solomon, among the wisest men who ever lived, told his children to get all the wisdom they could contain. In Proverbs 4:7 he said, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment,” (NLT). These thoughts are multiplied throughout Solomon’s collection of wise sayings.      

In Job 38-41 we find a whole next level of things beyond our knowing. God gave Job a quiz not even a Ph.D could pass.      

And so we live in this tension. We know that we will never know it all. We also know that willful ignorance is unconscionably stupid.      

How do we respond? Get all the education you can. Never stop adding to your learning even when there is no degree or certificate on the line.      

Trust God with all that you do not know and cannot know. Seek his wisdom. Ask for it (James 1:5). Hang around wise people (Proverbs 13:20). 

Properly apply all you know to be true. And smile when you ponder the imponderable. God loves it when we love him with all of our minds.      

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely,” (1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT). 

I will add to my knowledge base so that I may honor God and serve others. 

Our Father, grow me in knowledge and wisdom. Give me a relentless curiosity about everything worth my time and attention. Grant me insight and understanding. Teach me how to apply what I learn in a manner that honors you and serves others. Deliver me from becoming a know-it-all. Give me the disposition of one who serves, coaches, encourages, and empowers others. Amen.

Photo source: istock 

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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