Oh, I Get It...

I have been trying to do a Bible study each night using a study guide, trying to get in the routine of reading and meditating on Scripture each day (something I've struggled to do consistently for the last fourteen years).  I came to a question that I thought was a little silly, and I asked Mike his opinion about it, and we started talking a little about Bible studies in general.   I told him I don't really know how to do a Bible study, and I clarified by saying,"I mean, I know how to do a Bible study, like answer the questions and stuff, but I don't know how to..." and I can't remember exactly what I said after that but it had to do with making what you learn when you study God's word real in your everyday living/thinking/feeling/ doing.  That is the part I always feel like I'm not accomplishing.  I know lots of stuff in my head (toot, toot) but the translation from head to heart is a little slow.  Well, back to the conversation with Mike.  I really like what he said.   He's smart and wise and has an amazing perspective (and has plenty of his own issues, no fooling anybody, but I do respect what the man has to say) so I was listening carefully.  He said it has to do with your affections and your orientation.  That was the gist of it.  We don't study the Bible just so we'll know all the answers and do well in Sunday School, or look like a smart theologian or scholarly academic.  But if I'm aimed in the right direction, because I've been focusing on and absorbing who God is, what He has said and done, and allowing it to penetrate my heart, then maybe I'll keep getting closer to the target.  And with the reading and meditating will come a slow change in my affections.  It makes me think of the verse in Colossians 3, that we are to set our hearts and minds on things above rather than on earthly things.  It's about a change in everything, rather than looking up the right answers to all the questions, just knowing the facts.  I've been thinking a lot about this the last few days, and I'm sorry I keep getting off track a little, but back to that conversation with Mike, he pointed out something that I know I've heard before but really needed to hear again, and I really appreciate the reminder.   I'm going to spend quite a bit of time this week reading and taking in, and hopefully memorizing Colossians 3 (it's a really good one).  So, hold me accountable! Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Colossians 3:12-14