"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
Years ago, I heard a guy recite complete books of the bible from memory. Never mind his theology was a mess. He impressed folks.
But, oh my, the things you learn when you're half-a-century old.
I've been easily beguiled by people with encyclopedic knowledge of the bible, folks who, desiring to be good students of the Word, memorize, study, and dissect hard passages.
Maybe there's no dust on our concordances, either, but there's more to the deeper life than learning information. A pastor confirmed this to me years ago when he said that some of his dryest years were during seminary.
As walls come down in my life, I've sometimes faced different layers of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Assailed by venomous thoughts, I need Jesus, not data. Sadly, many pursue knowledge about the Person, without ever abiding in the Person. Maybe it takes a crisis to know the difference.
Our Christian life isn't an intellectual pursuit. To approach the bible this way is to miss the whole point. Sure, I appreciate good scholars and theologians. I'm not saying to study is a waste, either - please hear my heart. But I go to His Word to meet Him there, to pour out my need, and to receive from Him. Everything else is extra.
To experience Christ's life, the so-called "deeper" life, we must find Him as vital as the air we breathe. The phrase, deeper life, has been misunderstood, I think. It's not something rewarded to a few elite seekers, those who would strain and press the longest or hardest.
No, friend. The deeper life is Jesus. We simply abide. 
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Searching for the Deeper Life?
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Victoria Gaines
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13 Comments:
Amen! Great post. When God started becoming real to me is when I started just abiding to know Him.
Rachel
This morning while I was reading Bible passages for a course I am doing it hit me all of a sudden that I was reading the Word just like it was any other book.
I had to ask Him to forgive me for going to the word just to give me an answer....not THE ANSWER. If I don't want to know Him....then His words will not change me.
My relationship is to be with Him and not His words.
The thing about living in the west is that we are obsessed with knowledge, learning how-to's, easy fixes. Reading is so much easier than building relationship, it is faster, it is painless. Abiding in Christ can be a painful process as we are confronted by our sin and the need for repentance and transformation.
I saw this difference easily having lived in the Third world and Canada. I was amazed at the mature relationship I saw in one woman in particular who was largely uneducated and had had the same resources I was blessed to have. She simply replied, "I have the Holy Spirit to teach me." Simple.
Blessings this night, Vicki.
Love, Sita
amen! wonderfully put! thank you!
and happy blogaversary, too :)
Yes, abiding in Him. It's easy to become prideful about extensive study and knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology texts. But spending time with Him and getting to know Him and not just learning more about Him. That is what's important... and then we will abide in Him.
Excellent post Vicki. I've really been appreciating your blog posts.
He is deeper Life! Amen!
Just popping by to say "hi"
Julie
Do you have any idea how healing and freeing your entry is today for me? Probably not. Long story short, I always felt that I could never measure up because I am probably the furthest away from a Bible Scholar there is and it made me feel so worthless and useless to God. I don't feel like I have to be a "scholar" anymore after reading your blog today.
Bless you for sharing this post sweet friend. I love you.
Abide, my love...Words I hear when I sit with my Lord. He is my desire. Relationship not rules.
Love this.
Thank you.
Tiffany
Hello, friend. I have discovered that when I visit your blog, I must have nothing planned for the next while, as I sit and absorb the blessings.
Thanks for the sweet comment on my post.
Happy Weekend!!
Dear Vicki,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of a dear friend.
Praying for you and her family.
From Felisol
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