A very mature Christian came to me recently and said, “I want to learn more about doing family devotions well.” Not long after, I had a very edifying conversation with a gray-haired saint who was wanting to study a particular Bible topic together.
These encounters just reminded me of this fact: the wise person is always seeking to become wiser still. The truly spiritual person recognizes his or her constant need for spiritual growth.
The Proverbs, among other places in Scripture, consistently drive this reality home to readers:
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning” (9:9).
“The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near” (10:14).
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (18:15).
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge” (23:12).
According to the book of wisdom, one of the characteristics of wise men and women is that they are always seeking wisdom, wanting to learn more.
The Bible warns against stagnation in our knowledge and maturity.
We sometimes make the mistake of thinking we must choose between knowledge and passion; but in fact the two feed each other, especially in relation to Jesus (2 Peter 3:11-18). The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will love and trust him (Matthew 11:28-29). Doubtless this is why we are warned against stagnation in our knowledge and maturity (1 Corinthians 14:20).
Sadly, many Christians feel they are revealing a weakness if they admit to not knowing something, or if they are willing to change their mind about something, or if they express with conviction their desire to grow closer to Christ. Yet, the Bible says this is in fact a mark of great maturity.
The wise person is always growing in wisdom.
Will you be a mature, growing Christian who is determined to seek out godly counsel, biblical knowledge — and who therefore is also willing to change/be changed by God’s Word? Or are you so immature in your Christian faith that you feel you must be above change, above learning, above conviction?
The wise person is always growing in wisdom; the faithful Christian is always seeking to grow his or her faith.