INFORMATION, APPLICATION,TRANSFORMATION
January 25, 2019
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that we would be transformed as we read and apply your Word in our lives each day.
Scripture: Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you— you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings[a] for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you. Proverbs 22:17 – 21 NLT
In all education, there is a three-step process that must take place; 1. Information, 2. Application, & 3.Transformation
We teach the information through books, chalk boards or smart boards and lectures. We give opportunities to practice this information in class work and homework, then we check the ability to apply the information in quizzes and tests. If the student chooses to pay attention to the information and makes it a habit to apply it, then we see transformation occur in the abilities, attitude and accomplishments of that student. It is only when they decide to apply what you have taught them that they can successfully be promoted to the next lesson, level or grade. Without application, information is useless and transformation is impossible.
The same process is necessary for our spiritual education. If we read God’s Word daily, study it weekly, and can even spout it from memory but never apply it to our daily lives, decisions and circumstances; our lives can never be transformed. Change cannot take place without the application of information. The words on a page must move from our brains to our hearts and then put into action – remember, that is what it looks like to abide in Him. (John 15)
On a side note, we see right here in the next verses the destruction that comes when application does not follow information. In verse 22 and 23 Solomon warns: Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them. History tells of Solomon’s eventual exploitation of the poor and how he crushed the needy in his desire to build and grow the kingdom God gave him into an extensive and expensive empire at the cost of its citizens. Ultimately the Israelites rebelled and the kingdom was torn in two. Eventually, both “kingdoms” were overthrown and kings and citizens were killed or captured. How interesting that the man who said, “listen and apply,” failed to follow his own instruction. Are we ever guilty of that as teachers, parents, friends, spouses, leaders & citizens? What are the consequences?
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]