Beyond Measure

There’s no doubt about it. It’s hard to know how to know what we need to know. We know too much and understand too little.

In Psalm 16:8, David gives us a model for knowing: “I keep the Lord in mind always.” According to the Holman Christian Standard Bible, this line literally reads “I keep the Lord in front of me always.” We see this in the instructions David gave to the leaders of Israel regarding building the temple as he instructs them to determine in their mind and heart to seek the Lord. He then instructs his son, Solomon, to know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart. David asks of God, “Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4) and “Teach me Your way, Lord and I will live by Your truth. Give me an undivided mind...” (Psalm 86:11).

It is important that we have discerning minds that seek knowledge, that we seek counsel in our planning, that we pay attention to the words of the wise, and that we apply ourselves to instruction. Information is good. Facts are important. Doing our homework and due diligence keeps us accountable. These are good things.

But, it is even more important to have the “mind-set of the Spirit,” which “is life and peace,” and to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).