Living Not Just Learning

One of the biggest challenges that believers face is to live out the truth that we know. So much of our Christian experience amounts to the accumulation of knowledge, insight, and understanding. We have radios stations that play Christian music and offer teaching by the most prominent Christian preachers. We have Christian literature galore available to us. We have access to God's Word and study tools on our phones and other electronic devices 24/7. There has never been greater access to the truth of God's Word available to as many people in the world as there is currently and the information is expanding rapidly. The words that I'm writing now are accessible across the globe. With all the information available it is important to ask, "Why does it seem that there so little transformation in the lives of people?" The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 119:33-34 strikes at the heart of how there can be more consistent transformation. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law, and Keep it with all my heart." One of my biggest challenges personally is to apply the truth that I know, to live out my faith on a consistent basis. The Psalmist echoes what is on my heart--a desire to understand God's word so that I will observe it, to know it so I will keep it. Of course this begins with gaining information, but notice that the Psalmist wants God to teach Him and give him understanding. He doesn't just want information, but insight into the Word so that He will observe it. Father, may you teach us the truth and grant us insight and understanding so that we will more consistently observe/keep your word.