Learning Beyond Ourselves: Embracing Humility and Openness in Our Faith Journey
The Christian life is a journey of continual growth. While we may treasure the knowledge and understanding we’ve gained through years of study, sermons, and personal experience, there is always more to learn about God’s truth and how to apply it to our lives. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ve “arrived” or that the resources and methods we currently rely on are all we’ll ever need.
This mindset can limit not only our personal spiritual growth but also the depth of our relationship with Christ. The call to follow Jesus is a call to lifelong learning, guided by the Holy Spirit, rooted in Scripture, and fueled by a humble acknowledgment that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours.
The Danger of Stagnation in Faith
It’s natural to become comfortable with what we know. For many of us, the resources or teachings that initially helped us grow in our faith hold a special place in our hearts. We may even feel a strong sense of loyalty to those tools or perspectives. However, this loyalty can sometimes lead to resistance against exploring new biblically faithful approaches, fearing that doing so might undermine what we already believe.
But Scripture warns us against the danger of relying too heavily on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Leaning solely on what we already know can close us off to the broader wisdom God may want to reveal.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Expanding Our Understanding
As Christians, we have the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. Jesus promised in John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth." This promise wasn’t just for the apostles but extends to every believer who seeks God’s guidance. The Holy Spirit is not a static force; He is an active presence in our lives, continually working to deepen our understanding of Scripture and how it applies to our daily walk.
Yet, for the Spirit to guide us effectively, we must approach learning with humility. James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." This humility opens the door for God to teach us through His Word, through others, and even through approaches we may not have initially considered.
A Christ-Centered Posture of Openness
Being open to learning doesn’t mean abandoning sound doctrine or embracing every new idea without discernment. Instead, it means testing everything against the truth of Scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all matters. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 encourages us to, "Test everything; hold fast what is good."
This posture of openness also reflects the heart of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. Jesus continually challenged His disciples to see beyond their preconceived ideas and traditions, calling them to embrace the fullness of God’s truth. For example, in Matthew 5, Jesus reinterprets the law, not by changing its meaning but by revealing its deeper purpose. In the same way, God may use new perspectives or methods to help us understand His truth more fully.
Absolutely! Ephesians 1:17-18 fits beautifully within the theme of seeking God’s wisdom and the Spirit’s work in deepening our understanding. Here's the revised blog post with that passage incorporated:
Learning Beyond Ourselves: Embracing Humility and Openness in Our Faith Journey
The Christian life is a journey of continual growth. While we may treasure the knowledge and understanding we’ve gained through years of study, sermons, and personal experience, there is always more to learn about God’s truth and how to apply it to our lives. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ve “arrived” or that the resources and methods we currently rely on are all we’ll ever need.
This mindset can limit not only our personal spiritual growth but also the depth of our relationship with Christ. The call to follow Jesus is a call to lifelong learning, guided by the Holy Spirit, rooted in Scripture, and fueled by a humble acknowledgment that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours.
The Danger of Stagnation in Faith
It’s natural to become comfortable with what we know. For many of us, the resources or teachings that initially helped us grow in our faith hold a special place in our hearts. We may even feel a strong sense of loyalty to those tools or perspectives. However, this loyalty can sometimes lead to resistance against exploring new biblically faithful approaches, fearing that doing so might undermine what we already believe.
But Scripture warns us against the danger of relying too heavily on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Leaning solely on what we already know can close us off to the broader wisdom God may want to reveal.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Expanding Our Understanding
As Christians, we are not left to navigate our faith journey alone. The Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17-18captures the essence of how God desires to deepen our understanding: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Paul’s words remind us that spiritual understanding comes not from human effort alone but through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. This divine enlightenment opens the eyes of our hearts, allowing us to grasp the depth of God’s truth and the hope of our calling in Christ.
Yet, for the Spirit to guide us effectively, we must approach learning with humility. James 1:5 reinforces this: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." This humility opens the door for God to teach us through His Word, through others, and even through perspectives we may not have initially considered.
A Christ-Centered Posture of Openness
Being open to learning doesn’t mean abandoning sound doctrine or embracing every new idea without discernment. Instead, it means testing everything against the truth of Scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all matters. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 encourages us to, "Test everything; hold fast what is good."
This posture of openness also reflects the heart of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. Jesus continually challenged His disciples to see beyond their preconceived ideas and traditions, calling them to embrace the fullness of God’s truth. For example, in Matthew 5, Jesus reinterprets the law, not by changing its meaning but by revealing its deeper purpose. In the same way, God may use new perspectives or methods to help us understand His truth more fully.
Practical Steps for Growing in Understanding
Pray for the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
As Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17-18, seek God’s Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart. This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for true understanding.Stay Rooted in Scripture
All learning must begin and end with God’s Word. Regular, prayerful study of the Bible keeps us anchored in truth and equips us to discern what aligns with God’s will.Engage with Diverse Perspectives
Read books, listen to sermons, or attend discussions that challenge your understanding and encourage deeper reflection. Hearing how others interpret Scripture can broaden your perspective.Humbly Evaluate New Ideas
Approach new teachings with an open mind but a discerning heart. Use Scripture as the ultimate standard to test their validity.Embrace a Spirit of Lifelong Learning
Recognize that no matter how much you know, there is always more to learn. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Conclusion: Walking in Humility and Faith
As followers of Christ, our goal is not to defend our current understanding but to continually grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18). This requires a willingness to admit that we don’t have all the answers and a commitment to seek God’s wisdom with humility.
Whether you are a seasoned believer or someone new in the faith, let this be an encouragement to remain open to the Spirit’s leading. God’s truth is inexhaustible, and His desire is for us to walk in the fullness of that truth—not just for our benefit but so that we may reflect His love and wisdom to the world around us.