Theology: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience (miriam-webster)

Have you ever wondered if our theology actually gets in the way of our faith? I often wonder if we sometimes focus too much on knowing and not enough on doing. Please understand that I appreciate and consider it imperative for us to study God’s Word…to meditate on it, to take it in and to understand it. But…at some point…shouldn’t it change us?

I once heard a pastor say that we are, “educated past the point of our obedience.” When that happens, our intimate relationship with an eternal and loving Father is reduced to religion…and, quite frankly, there’s too much religion in the world for my taste already. I think it’s time that our faith move past a simple understanding of words in a book and into a life-altering encounter with a living God. But…that’s just one guy’s opinion. Tell me what you think?

Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. James 1:22 (NCV)

My reading this morning had me in 1 Samuel. There was a verse that really struck a chord with me and I wanted to share it with you:

It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli (the priest) was watching her closely. Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. He approached her and said, “You’re drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!” 1 Samuel 1:12-14 (Msg)

Why did the man of God automatically assume the worse when he saw this woman? That really bothered me. But, do we not very often do the same thing? It’s so easy to look at someone and automatically see the worst in them…even as Christians. We often miss who people really are because we can’t see past our “jump judgment” of them. How terrible that we miss out on great opportunities and great people because we do not see what God sees.

If you’re a leader, I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage, “Leaders must be Learners.” It may be cliche, but it is an essential truth for anyone who finds themselves in a leadership position. The question is, who do we learn from? I’ve found there are three resources that every leader needs in their repertoire:

• Learn from other Leaders: There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Find books written by and attend conferences hosted by great leaders. Find a leadership mentor. Glean from their success.
• Learn from your peers: There are other leaders in the same position as you. Find them, connect with them and learn together. If anyone needs a support group…it’s a leader.
• Learn from those you lead: If you’re unwilling to humbly learn from those you lead, you either have no business being a leader or you’re leading the wrong people.

I’ve found those resources to be invaluable. I hope you will, too.