Transformed by the Word: The Power of Beholding God
In a world where our attention is constantly divided, it’s easy to forget the transformative power of beholding God in His word. As Jen Wilkin so eloquently puts it, “We become what we behold.” This profound truth is at the heart of her book, Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds.
A Life-Changing Pursuit
Wilkin reminds us that studying the Bible is not just about gaining knowledge, but about being transformed by the power of God’s word. “The God of the Bible is too lovely to abandon for lesser pursuits,” she writes. By devoting ourselves to learning and studying, we can experience a deep and lasting change that shapes every aspect of our lives.
Trust in the Process
But what about when life gets in the way, and we struggle to find the time or energy to study? Wilkin encourages us to trust in the process, even when it feels like we’re not making progress. “Give the Lord what you can and trust that he will honor your faithfulness in the small things,” she advises. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness, we can persevere even in the midst of challenges.
A Reliable Reference Point
One of the key insights of Wilkin’s book is that the Bible is not primarily about us, but about God. “The knowledge of God and the knowledge of self always go hand in hand,” she writes. By studying the Bible, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and nature, which in turn helps us understand ourselves and our place in the world.
The Heart and Mind Connection
Wilkin also emphasizes the importance of engaging both our hearts and minds in the study of Scripture. “The heart cannot love what the mind does not know,” she notes. By combining intellectual curiosity with heartfelt devotion, we can experience a richer and more meaningful relationship with God.
Reading with Perspective
Finally, Wilkin offers practical guidance on how to study the Bible effectively. She encourages us to read with perspective, taking into account the historical and cultural context of the text. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intent and the literary genre, which in turn enables us to build Bible literacy.
A Means to an End
Throughout her book, Wilkin reminds us that studying the Bible is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The ultimate goal is to love God more and live differently because we have learned to behold Him better. By embracing this vision, we can experience the transformative power of God’s word in our lives.
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