Deep Dive into Habits of Grace by David Mathis - Resolve to Be a LIfelong Learner
To be a "disciple" literally means to be a "learner," a concept central to the Christian faith where teaching and learning are paramount. The focal point of Christian learning is "the Word"—incarnate, spoken, and written—at its center, specifically the person and work of Christ. This pursuit transcends mere facts or head knowledge; it's about learning a Face and a Person—Jesus Christ, knowing and enjoying God through the gospel and the Scriptures, by hearing, reading, study, meditation, and memorization.
Wisdom, unlike age, is not automatic. Simply growing older does not guarantee wisdom, as "It is not the old who are wise." Instead, without a long-term pattern of receptivity and intentionality, accumulated life experiences can lead to "more confusion than clarity." True understanding and wisdom arise from "the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand," requiring active cultivation of a "holy curiosity and the mind-set of a lifelong learner." This involves embracing learning as a continuous, intentional journey.
To cultivate lifelong learning, several methods are key. Christians should vary their sources and seasons by engaging in personal conversations, reading books, taking classes, watching educational videos, and listening to recorded audio, adapting these to different stages of life. They must create space and redeem spare time, utilizing "little windows for learning" like a few minutes of reading before bed or listening to podcasts during commutes. It's also vital to mind one's mindless moments, resisting the urge to endlessly "veg out" and instead turning some passive entertainment into growth opportunities. Learners should adapt to new media, leveraging e-readers, podcasts, online courses, and intentional social media use. Ultimately, this journey requires individuals to embrace the identity of a learner, viewing it as a strength and a joyful, eternal pursuit rather than a burden or something confined to childhood.
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