A Fresh Perspective on Learning and Spiritual Growth

In our journey of faith and knowledge, it’s important to constantly renew our minds, allowing ourselves to explore new perspectives and deepen our understanding of God’s Word. Recently, we’ve been reflecting on the concept of the “new mind,”.

Embracing the New Mind

We as Christadelphians often pride ourselves on being diligent students of the Word don't we, always seeking to deepen our understanding. But what does it really mean to have a “new mind”? It’s about more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about how we apply that knowledge in our lives, our preaching, and our teaching.

The Power of Humility in Learning

One of the most challenging aspects of spiritual growth is the willingness to change our perspective on fundamental beliefs. We often hold onto our views tightly, but true growth comes when we’re willing to question even our deepest convictions. This doesn’t mean we have to abandon our beliefs, but we should always be open to the possibility that there’s more to learn.

At the heart of learning is humility. The more we learn, the more we realise how much we don’t know. The realisation of this isn’t discouraging—it’s humbling. It’s what keeps us open to new ideas and insights. Without humility, we can become so confident in our knowledge that we’re no longer open to learning from others or from God.

The Parable of the Lost Coin: A Deeper Insight

One of the most profound lessons about knowledge and humility comes from the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15. Unlike the lost sheep or the prodigal son, the coin in this story didn’t lose itself—it was lost by the woman, representing the ecclesia. This parable challenges us to consider how we, as the ecclesia, might be responsible for “losing” or even “destroying” the faith of others through our knowledge.

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?"

The Greek word for “lose” in this passage actually means to destroy, which gives us a sobering insight. Sometimes, our knowledge, if not tempered with love and humility, can cause others to stumble or be “destroyed” in their faith. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s not just about what we know, but how we use that knowledge.

Light in the Darkness: Rediscovering Christ at the Centre

When the woman in the parable realises the coin is lost, she lights a candle and sweeps the house. This action symbolises the need to bring light into the darkness that can make its way into our ecclesia or our lives - to clean out the clutter and confusion. But simply cleaning isn’t enough; we need to ensure that Christ is at the centre of everything we do.

Jesus is the light that should shine in our lives and in our communities. Without Him, even our best efforts can lead to darkness and confusion. As we seek to learn and grow, we must keep Christ at the centre, ensuring that our knowledge leads us closer to Him, rather than away.

The Responsibility of Knowledge

Finally, the parable reminds us of the responsibility that comes with knowledge. In another parable from Luke 19, we see a servant who, afraid of losing his master’s coin, hides it away instead of using it to grow. This servant is condemned not for losing the coin, but for failing to use it to produce fruit.

22 "He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’"

In the same way, we are entrusted with knowledge not to hoard it, but to use it to enrich others and grow in our faith. Our knowledge should lead to fruitfulness and multiplication, not stagnation or fear.

Conclusion: It’s About Who We Know

In all of this, the most important lesson is that it’s not just about what we know, but who we know. It is through the Lord Jesus Christ that we have life and salvation, and our knowledge should always lead us closer to Him. Let this mind be in us, the same mind that was in Christ Jesus—a mind of humility, love, and a desire to grow in our relationship with God and with others.

As we continue to learn and grow, may we always keep Christ at the centre, allowing Him to guide us into all truth and to transform our hearts and minds for His glory.