Knowing, part 2

I think we also get confused about what it means to know scripture.

Our approach to scripture reflects our check-off approach to our Christian lives. The thinking goes like this: I've read this scripture. I've studied this passage. I know what it says, and I know what the commentaries say about it. I've delved into the historical and social context. I know this scripture.

Later on, maybe years later, I read the same scripture and I learn new things from it. Maybe because I am older, have different experiences in my background, or approach the text from a different mindset -- or maybe because the Spirit reveals something new/different to me -- I know the scripture, but in a different way.

I think we get confused because we have the attitude that knowing scripture is a static kind of thing. It's that check-off mentality.

We don't leave room for scripture to be the living word of God. We don't allow for the working of the Spirit.

"Knowing scripture" is a noble goal, and we should aspire to greater and greater familiarity with the text. We should meditate on it, pray over it, and discuss it with others.

I wonder, however, if "knowing scripture" can become a straight-jacket that blocks our ability to continue learning about the nature of God through his word. If our thinking is: I know this scripture. I don't have to struggle with it. Been there, done that -- then further Bible study has no impact on our thinking.

Wasn't that part of the problem with the religious leaders Jesus knew? They knew scripture, but they were unwilling to accept anything different from their agreed-upon interpretations. They stopped hearing God. They stopped growing.

May we never stop growing! May we continually approach God's word with ears to hear, regardless of what we think we know.