Learner

Our missional communities (small groups) at church have a few different themes that we rotate through including: servant, mission, family and learner.

Recently, I've been thinking about how I can be a better learner. I mean, I know how to learn. As a university student I've learned a lot. But I consistently prioritize my school studies over my Bible studies. I might even admit to making an idol of that straight A transcript and that needs to change. God needs to be God in my life. I have come to the conclusion that I need to study God the way I would study for school. I need to learn about His character, His promises and His love. I've already attended many semesters of lectures in the form of Sunday School and sermons mostly, but I've hardly cracked open my textbook (the Bible). I've never gone into an exam without reading, underlining, highlighting, taking notes and re-reading my textbook. So what makes me think I can know all that God wants me to know without doing the same with His textbook?

This train of thought led me to research some devotionals and study Bibles and I ended up ordering the ESV Study Bible online. It had been recommended to me and when I checked out this website I got really excited about it. This Bible has tables and charts and graphs and maps...just like a textbook! (except it is NOT crazy expensive). I couldn't wait to crack it open and get studying! Only thing was... this happened:

I made several phone calls trying to figure out where my Bible was and how I could get it. I think God may have been teaching me a lesson in patience and also saying, "Ahem, why don't you read the Bible you already have while you're waiting!?" (to which I replied, "but I want to read my textbook Bible!") 

I have never had a study Bible before but I  am really excited to dive in and explore all of the extras this one provides. I've found it difficult in the past to sit down and read from my Bible without the historical context and without knowing what to focus on and what questions to ask but now I feel like I have a guide. My missional community leader (and current roommie, Sam) put together a document entitled "How to Study the Bible" aka Course Syllabus and Suggested Guidelines for how to get the most of the Textbook. So now, with my instructions and new Bible I feel extremely equipped to study the Word! 

As I study I will be praying (and am asking you to pray for me, if you feel so inclined) that God will replace my earthly desires like a perfect transcript with an overwhelming desire for Him. I often say during the school year that studying is hard work, it's not always fun but in the end when you see your grade it's all worth it. I know that what Jesus calls us to do is not always easy either but I hope that I can truly grasp the GRACE that Jesus offers us and know how much more satisfying and worth it that is than anything else.