October 2023
Deeper Understanding
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Published: October 1, 2023
Aristotle once said, “Those who know do. Those that understand, teach.” I had a school instructor known for his knowledge of the subject. He was so good at explaining things and never seemed to stumble on a question. Someone once asked him, “How do you know when you are ready to teach others?” He said, “When you understand three times more than you teach, you are ready .” Teaching to this instructor was more than just reading from a PowerPoint or helping students memorize test questions. I can’t remember a test in that course that did not involve essay questions that required the answer and an explanation of why it was correct. I never really appreciated the challenge of the class at the time. However, it took only a short time to enjoy the benefits of developing a more profound understanding once I started using the knowledge in real life. Albert Einstein once said, “Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” This concept is easily missed in our world today. Yet, it is a critical element in our personal and spiritual development.
Proverbs 13:3 (NIV) says best: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” King Solomon (author of the book of Proverbs) believed there is more to knowledge. There are blessings for those who pursue a deeper understanding. King Solomon reinforces this point when he wrote Proverbs 18:2 (NIV), “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” I could write a book about this passage. We live in a world where anyone can become a self-proclaimed expert on any topic. After all, a quick Google search will tell you everything you need to know…right? I learned very early in my career that your credibility and the results of that test will stick with your reputation. It is always better to be over prepared and confident than to find yourself unprepared and embarrassed. Gaining a deeper understanding of something will take time, patience, and, in many cases, humility. After all, most do not find pleasure in admitting they do not know something. However, people who consistently seek a more profound understanding of life are setting themselves up for success.
The principle of deeper understanding was taught by Jesus himself. Matthew 16: 15-17 says, “But what about you?” he (Jesus) asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but by my Father in heaven.” Simon Peter had developed a more profound understanding than the other disciples. He knew who he was following and learning from. There are some things in life where a more profound understanding can only be achieved by pursuing a closer relationship with God. The world is filled with misinformation, but wisdom from God is pure and true. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This is exactly the kind of deep understanding that releases blessings, impacts people, and creates opportunities!
Challenge: You may have noticed that all the “Living the Mission” articles are rooted in Biblical principles and apply to every aspect of our lives. The focus on deeper understanding is no exception. Commit to developing a deeper understanding of all things, but most importantly, of those things only revealed by our Father in heaven.
