You Get As You Give What You Get

I had a Bible School teacher that had so many little teaching quips, like the one above. We have a tendency to choose our actions based on what we will get back and not always what might be best for us. There are many people that are much more excited about helping others if they get recognition for what they do. We have that worldly desire to want a payoff in everything we do... something that makes us feel it was worth the effort. I know of people that dig into God’s word because they want to appear smart or be able to win debates that might come up about their faith. They might be able to debate well, but it doesn’t always mean they are where they should be. I ran across the following quote - “The ultimate goal of theology isn't knowledge, but worship. If our learning and knowledge of God do not lead to the joyful praise of God, we have failed. We learn only that we might laud, which is to say that theology without doxology is idolatry. The only theology worth studying is a theology that can be sung!” It is not about the level of knowledge we have. It doesn’t matter what books we have read and if we can use “really big words”. It does matter where that learning has taken you. I think the above quote challenges us when we are studying God’s word. I know of many people that are so focused on completing their daily reading that they often check off chapters that they have read, but don’t express a change of the depth of their faith. I am struck by the depth and simplicity of the phrase, “theology without doxology is idolatry”. Theology is the study of God, doxology is praising God, and idolatry is replacing God with a false belief. The purpose of God’s word is to deepen our faith and desire to know and serve Him. If this knowledge doesn’t lead us to worship God fully, then the knowledge becomes our god. I think that it is great that people want to read through the Bible, even if it to be done within the year. Knowledge is a foundation. When our desire to accomplish so many chapters a day leave us with no time to ponder things, our goals must be rethought. What you get from God, you are to give, and He will get you more. Father, tune my heart to You and Your word that I might never long for knowledge over worshiping and praising You. Amen