God is about the business of transformation: of the WHOLE person, including the mind. Experience alone is not enough to transform us. Our minds also need renewing. We need to understand.
Study is hard: it requires careful thinking, concentration and a singleness of mind. Ingrained habits of thought WILL become a reality to us. This is why repitition is so powerful.
Study is different to meditation: analytical as opposed to devotional. Study can be of verbal sources (books and lectures) or non-verbal sources (nature, events and people).
4 types of study:
- Repertition
- Concentration
- Comprehension
- Reflection
Study is NOT the accumulation of knowledge. We need to learn to really read a book: understand, interpret and evaluate it. We ought to read widely and broadly. We ought to discuss what we read. It is not a waste of time! Read whole books of the Bible in one sitting, read Christian classics. Learn from nature. Learn about yourself. Why must we always justify ourselves? Learn about what controls you. Learn about your culture and the things that shape it. Ponder events and ask questions. Study produces joy!
