Meditation
Knowledge about the Bible is an indispensable good. Knowledge, by itself, does not lead to spiritual transformation. When Paul urged the Christians at Rome to 'be transformed by the renewing of your minds', he was thinking far more than the aquisition of information. "Mind" refers to a whole range of perceiving, understanding, valuing and feeling, that, in turn, determines the way we live.
Moreover, while knowledge is vital, and should be prized, it also poses some dangers. It often demolishes humility. The nickname 'know-it-all' is never used as a compliment. The Bible, itself, contains some warnings: "Knowledge puffs up, but, love builds up".
Both human experience and the Bible teach increased knowledge - even knowledge of the Scriptures- does not automatically produce transformed people.
Meditation is as slow the process roots draw moisture from the flowing river to bring nurture and fruitfulness to a great tree.
Meditation is likened, in Scripture, to a young lion growling over it's prey, or the low murmur of a dove.
Meditation is not meant to be confidential, spooky or reserved for gurus chanting mantras in the lotus position. It merely implies sustained attention. It is built around the simple principle, "What the mind repeats, it sustains."
The Life You Always Wanted
John Ortberg
Monday, February 14, 2011
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