Let’s discuss the importance of coming to terms with ourselves, how we study and how it relates to finding peace in our lives. I believe that this concept is closely tied to critical thinking and the value of words and understanding them fully.
As many of us know, the Bible tells us that the Word is God. It is the foundation of our faith and the guiding force in our lives. However, to truly grasp the meaning and significance of the Word, we must take the time to study and understand it fully.
This is where critical thinking comes in. We must approach the Word with an open mind and a willingness to learn. We cannot simply read it and assume that we understand it all. Instead, we must take the time to rightly divide the text and truly understand its context, its history, and its intended meaning.
To do this, we must have a study method that allows us to delve deeply into the text. We can use old and new concordances, old and new dictionaries (preferably as old as the 1920s), and a synonym finder or J. Rogers Thesaurus to truly get a deep and accurate understanding of the words we are studying.
I want to give an analogy to illustrate the difference between someone who rightly divides and truly studies the Word versus someone who half-studies and goes off assumptions because they are lazy or prideful.
Imagine two farmers. One farmer spends hours every day tending to his fields, planting and watering his crops, and carefully tending to them until they are ready for harvest. The other farmer, on the other hand, spends only a fraction of the time on his fields, assuming that he knows what he is doing and that his crops will grow just fine without his intervention.
Which farmer do you think will have a more bountiful harvest? The first farmer, of course. He has taken the time to carefully tend to his crops and ensure that they grow strong and healthy. The second farmer, on the other hand, will likely have a poor harvest, if any at all, because he did not put in the effort to truly understand what his crops needed.
Likewise, if we approach the Word with laziness or pride, assuming that we already know everything we need to know, we will miss out on the full richness and depth of its meaning. But if we take the time to study and understand it fully, we will find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment in our lives.
In conclusion, I urge you all to embrace critical thinking and the value of words in your lives. Take the time to study and understand the Word fully, using all the tools at your disposal. By doing so, you will find a deeper sense of peace and understanding in your life.
Here are some tips and strategies for coming to terms with ourselves and finding peace through critical thinking and the importance of getting an understanding of the Word:
1. Start with an open mind: Before you begin studying the Word, make sure that you approach it with an open mind. This means setting aside any preconceptions or assumptions you may have and being willing to learn.
2. Use old and new concordances and dictionaries: As mentioned in the earlier, using old and new concordances and dictionaries can be incredibly helpful when trying to understand the Word. These resources will provide context and historical information that will help you better understand the meaning of the words you are studying and specifically how they changed throughout the years.
3. Use a synonym finder or J. Rogers Thesaurus: In addition to concordances and dictionaries, using a synonym finder or thesaurus can help you better understand the nuances of the words in the text. This can be especially useful for words that have multiple meanings or connotations.
4. Take your time: Studying the Word is not something that can be rushed. Take your time to read through the text, making note of any words or phrases that you don’t understand. Then, use your resources to look up the meanings and contexts of these words.
5. Seek out other perspectives: While studying the Word, it can be helpful to seek out other perspectives and interpretations. This can help broaden your understanding of the text and give you new insights.
6. Avoid assumptions: As noted prior, assuming that you already know everything there is to know about the Word is a surefire way to miss out on its deeper meanings. Avoid making assumptions and instead focus on learning and understanding as much as you can.
7. Learn from those who rightly divide: When studying the Word, it can be helpful to learn from those who rightly divide and truly study it. Seek out mentors or role models who have a deep understanding of the text and learn from their insights and approaches.
By following these tips and strategies, you can approach the Word with critical thinking (The Art Of Troubleshooting) and a desire for deeper understanding. With time and effort, this approach can lead to a greater sense of peace and fulfillment in your life.
