Desire/Data.
February/24/2022 22:52
Theology, the study of God's nature, is not a bad word. Everyone has a belief system concerning God. Some only have a belief system, but they don't know the person their belief is pursuing. Some only have a passionate desire, and their theology is shallow and often weak. Our theology should produce nearness to God, and our nearness should cause us to explore the truth concerning his nature. To contrast, passion for and knowledge of God is a false dichotomy. Theology, the study of God's nature, is not a bad word. Everyone has a belief system concerning God. Some only have a belief system, but they don't know the person their belief is pursuing. Some only have a passionate desire, and their theology is shallow and often weak. Our theology should produce nearness to God, and our nearness should cause us to explore the truth concerning his nature. To contrast, passion for and knowledge of God is a false dichotomy.
Also, I have often seen some pursue one of the other. I know many astute individuals who were once very passionate for God, and then they lose their passion. They demand that they are passionate, but they usually just appear angry. They grow in negativity and appear prideful but they are deep in knowledge. They will typically corner passionate, less knowledgeable people because they are experts. They attract angry folk because they are "serious about the truth." Bitterness attracts bitterness. What they are passionate about is often pointed out angrily towards those they disagree with. They treat younger, passionate Christians( like they used to be) with disdain.
This should not be. It's tragic when believers exchange desire for data.
Beloved, We can and should uphold truth, be well studied, winsome, and wise, and still be passionate to know Jesus. The great command is to Love him with everything(including our mind). Let us remain and return to our first love.
Jesus, reignite old flames that have grown dim.
….
"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"
Philippians 3:8-10 NIV
