When you start school, you are so excited. You just can’t wait to be a school boy or girl. Those first few days in school are filled with joy and anticipation. It is there that the learning process begins. You learn those 3 R’s – reading, writing, and arithmetic. You are well on your way to learning. What begins in elementary school, continues through middle school and high school. For many, that education proceeds from there into college. You may even have continuing education as part of your occupation.
It is sad that you will spend so much time studying to prepare for an occupation, but spend so little time studying the Word of God, as a Christian. What is true for you, as a believer, is also true of many pastors. It seems you study just enough get your feet wet, but you don’t want to get too serious and jump all in. A Quaker said to a preacher who was a fox hunter, “If I were a fox and wanted to hide from thee, I’d hide where you would not find me.” “And where’s that?” asked the preacher. “In your study.” Ha! Ha! It is humorous but also so true.
As a Christian, think back when you first accepted Christ as your Savior. Remember, how you just could not get enough of God’s Word. You would read and study so often to learn God’s Word. As a result, you could feel the Holy Spirit moving in your life. Now, as much time has passed you go to church more as the right thing to do, but the Spirit’s presence in your life is just not there.
The Lord Jesus is talking directly to you in Revelation 2:4, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Yes, don’t just read these words and go your merry way, but take them to heart. You know that it is time for you to go beyond the learning of the 3 R’s, spiritually, and return to being a student of the Scriptures. Start today!
