An Inch Deep

A mile wide and an inch deep. Are you one of these Christians--a good person doing good works but lacking indepth knowledge of God? If so, you do not get it! You are missing an amazing relationship with our God. Correction, you have a relationship with God, but you do not have a deeply satisfying relationship. You have settled for second best. You are an inch deep.

What do you believe about God? Is he a benevolent being which answers requests? Is he “love”? Is he the source of all good things? Is your attendance at church most Sundays and a bedtime prayer all he wants from you? Are you an inch deep? What is your view of God? Does it align with what is taught in God’s Word—The Bible?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

Paul wants the church at Philippi to grow in knowledge and depth of insight. In other words, Paul is telling them to intentionally learn about God so they will be able to figure out what is right. They will only be an inch deep without depth of insight. Except through studying the teachings of our God, how else will they know about him and be able to serve him? Without accurate knowledge, people tend to mold God into a god. They make him what they want him to be, not who he is. They choose to make God into a politically correct deity or one they find personally satisfying. They do not know God because they have a view of him like Paul states in his letter to Timothy.

“…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

God’s Word is our guidebook. It is to be read for truth and to be read in context. Who are we to rewrite it? Isn’t it a bit arrogant for us to tell God we know better than he about how to live rightly? Isn’t it very presumptuous to tell the creator of the universe that he needs to conform to what we want to believe?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

Yet too many of us are very shallow in the depth of our spiritual lives because we have a wrong view of God and his word.

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

We do not rely on the true God because we do not know who God truly is. We are unwilling to give up a few minutes of the time we spend each day on television or our favorite pastime to get to know God better.

So do you study the Bible? Do you read verses in context to ensure accurate comprehension of important truths about our God? Do you desire to have a deep and rich relationship with him?

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved…who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Lord, I desire to know you better. Through Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, reveal yourself to me.