When I was a freshman in college I took a class called "Intro to Christian Ministry". The end of the semester had come and it was time for the dreaded final; we all gathered early in the class room to do some last-minute studying before we through ourselves into the winds of fate. All of us, that is, except one. For the sake of kindness and protection of identity we shall refer to him as "Jay".
Jay had a knack for Bible knowledge. He had trivia and facts down...but that was about it. He knew the stories and where various passages could be found, but when it came to application and deeper understanding of scripture he was found lacking. Additionally, he was academically lazy. He preferred to play video games than to study, and it definitely showed when it came down to presentations and quizzes.
But this was IT, the final that would make or break it for most of us. It wasn't just any final either...it was a "Randle final"! Despite the fact that he was about to take a test worth of fear and utter terror, Jay proceeded to voice his opinions out loud and complain about how the "test is ridiculous" and that "we should be tested on Bible knowledge and on scriptures". After a lengthy exposure to this my friend Nick finally spoke up. Nick put a swift and timely end to Jay's rambling on about what the test "should" be about and told him that the class was not about Bible stories and scriptures but instead about Ministry and the application of the scriptures. Nick told him to be quiet so that the rest of us could study for what the test was actually about. Needless to say...Jay didn't do so well on the test.
When I think back to that memory it brings a smile to my face every time! It also reminds me that it is one thing to have knowledge and another thing entirely to have understanding. Many neglect the importance of study and intellectual pursuit, thereby handing themselves over to the consequences of ignorance. It is not possible to know everything and our ability to understand will always be limited, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Jay was satisfied with his knowledge and did not open himself up to the teachings that our professor offered, and as a result he was ill equipped, not only for the test, but also for future ministry. Jay ended up dropping out for poor grades and the like.
That event also sticks out to me because of my friend Nick's reaction. Nick is an inspiration because he was willing to speak out against something that needed to be addressed, but he did it in a respectful and gracious way. Nick is making a difference in the lives of many because he refused to be satisfied with his knowledge and sought understanding. Nick is currently living with his wife in New Orleans, LA working to get his M. Div. and serving as an assist pastor.
Understanding of scripture isn't the only thing we need. The fact of the matter is that there are hundreds of topics that we neglect to seeking understanding in and remain satisfied with what we already know. Even worse is that we treat people like this! There are thousands of opportunities that Christ gives us to serve and make a difference, but we often miss them because we fail to be understanding of one another. People need grace, mercy, and love. Others need to be told to shut up and let the rest of us study for the test they don't want to take. The ability to properly choose the corresponding action that best fits requires us to have at least a measure of understanding.
For example, I had a friend call me the other day who gave me quite the lecture and called me out on my actions/inactions. He was able to do this because he did it in understanding. He has come to know me, but he sought to understand and from there he made a judgment call that led him to say what he did. He gave me the words that, even though less than pleasant, were what I needed to hear and motivated me. It also reminded me that there are people out there who really do care. Haha, enough to even be rough with ya.
May we all learn to seek understanding, not only of scripture, but also in each other so that we may better serve each other.
Peace be with you,
Stephen
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