by Renae Richardson

Created on: July 31, 2009

To study is to undertake the exploration of a discipline or subject. Studying is the process of submersing oneself in the content and context of a subject matter for the purpose of establishing familiarity, gaining understanding, or assigning meaning.

Many find folly in seeking knowledge and neglect to study because it is too tedious or too time consuming. To make this decision is to err greatly. It is by study that we gain insight and wisdom. Refusing to study stunts the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of the individual.

No one can deny the great mantra that "He who seeks shall find, knock and the door shall be open unto you, but people perish for a lack of knowledge."

These very words of truth and wisdom which were written in an antiquated but very relevant text stand to echo, the refrain, that as progressive individuals we should, "Study to show ourselves approved that we need not be ashamed but that we might rightly divide the word of truth."

The application of such truths applies to the matter of all subjects not to exclude those of a spiritual nature.

The Study of God

One who chooses to study God undertakes a mission of delving into theocratic concepts, biblical statues, spiritual constructs, testimonies and the like. Perhaps it is for the purpose of discovering God's unique nature, establishing a relationship with the creator, or uncovering one's purpose.

Despite the purpose of the study, one who undertakes such a mission must realize that the study of God is an eternal endeavor.

Who can search the annals of infinity? Who can seek to understand the ways of an infinite God, the "I AM", who existed before the dawn of the first sunset?

God is complex. Although He never changes the complete revelation of His character is hidden to man, which means that man can only gain understanding as it is revealed unto him or her. Revelation only occurs at His desired time.

In understanding such one must realize that he or she may search the depths of the world to uncover the hidden mysteries of God and never find the answers he or she seeks. He or she may never discover reason, and never come close to a rationale for this world's complexities in his or her life time. God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

"For this moment we can only see in part as if we are beholding our image in a dimly lit mirror. When time has been fulfilled then we shall know the totality of all things."

The past has taught us that there were many who sought to study and discern the ways of God but have come up empty, short, and bereft of understanding. This is because they have not come to fully understand the nature of God or understand that there is a time and season for the invocation of understanding.

However, this does not and should not negate or dissuade our passionate seeking of God. We must seek, for in our seeking God begins to plant the seed wherein at an appointed time we will reap the ripe fruits of understanding.

There is this one thing that we may all be sure of; he or she who refuses to seek, look, or read shall never have understanding.

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