Study Hard

My sister and I are alike in a lot of different ways. I mean, we are sisters. So we have a lot of similarities. We look a like, we talk alike, we act alike. We like the same things. If we go shopping separately, we will pick out the same clothes. We have really similar personalities. As kids this meant that we didn't get a long too well, but now we are really good friends. 

There are just a few ways that we are extremely different. I am a facts and information and research kind of person. She is an artsy kind of person who likes to do things based on her emotions and feelings, whatever interests her at the time. I am not at all like that. I need to make a list and observe the options... Every time. 

One of the big things that we were very different in high school was that I liked school and she didn't. She hated school.... Hated school! But I loved school! It was right up my alley. She wanted to be outside painting a picture. We are totally different in that way! If I am outside, I want to be reading a book or doing something. 

So every once in a while, now that she is in college, she will call me and say, "Hey, I am really struggling with this class, can you give me some study tips?" There are so many different ways to study and we are not at all alike in this area, so the conversation goes nowhere. 

But like a good big sister I give her a tip (a different tip every time!!), and she says every time, "Oh, I can't study that way; I don't learn that way."

I then offer another tip and you know what she says? "Oh, I cant study that way, I don't learn that way."

 And then back and forth over and over again. We are just different. How I need to study to learn the material, is different than how my sister will need to study to learn the material. 

Studying is important, isn't it? When buying a house, or purchasing a car, or moving to a new area, it is important to study the facts, so that you make the wisest decision for your family. So you can know what to expect. 

Just like it is important to study for a test or study for life, it is equally important... If not, more important... To study God's Word. 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15~

There it says right in the Bible that we are supposed to study God's Word! Why? So we can correctly understand the truth. 

Consider this... you are listening to a guest preacher at church. The guest preacher suggests something that is really close to what is in the Bible. Maybe his thoughts are coming from somewhere else in the Bible. It sounds legit, but something doesn't sit right. Have you studied your Bible enough to know whether this man is speaking the truth or not? Can you discern the truth?

Not only do we need to be able to accurately discern truth, we also need to be able to intelligently answer the questions of others. 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

~1 Peter 3:15~

Finally we study the Bible so that we can know God better. 

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

~Jeremiah 29:13~

Whether you study the Bible with a notepad and pen, your iPad, Bible study books, commentaries, or podcasts, the important thing is that you study.

Find your method and grow in Christ!