Pursuit, Not Perfection
- The Narrow Path
- Sep 30, 2022
- 3 min read
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10, NIV).
Thursdays tend to be really hectic for me. My schedule at work is often super busy, and because it marks the end of my work week, I am usually more than ready to spend a little time winding down when I get home. Because my job is very physical, one would think that simply relaxing with a good book would be my activity of choice. Though that is sometimes the case, one place that has become a sanctuary for unwinding from a busy week is the outdoor basketball court up the street from my house.
A few weeks ago, I decided to spend a little time shooting some hoops after work. I needed to quiet my mind, pray, release worries, and ultimately, just connect quietly with the Lord after a busy week. As I was putting up a few jumpers, I took a shot, and immediately thought, “Dang it! I had too much palm on that shot.”And as I knew it would, the ball clanged off the rim and sent me on the chase to recover my miss.
I cannot begin to count the number of jump shots I’ve taken in my lifetime. If I just consider the hours spent out back at my parents’ house growing up, it quickly becomes innumerable. I have invested so much time in this particular craft, and I know what my perfect form feels like. As a result, I often immediately recognize a flaw in my shot that will lead to a miss.
Though it may seem like the emphasis is on perfection, it’s more about the truth that developing a thorough understanding of proper form and an ability to execute it consistently leads to success. Perfection is not the goal but rather continual pursuit.
I remember feeling convicted by the Holy Spirit that day. As a follower of Jesus, I want to know the Word of God more intimately than I know my jump shot. But, if I’m being honest, that’s not the case. Have I spent as many hours studying the Bible as I’ve spent perfecting my jump shot? No. Have I spent more time on a basketball court than I have with my nose inside the pages of Biblical truth? Yes. I don’t think God wants me to choose. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, but it should be both.
The value of all those hours of practice was the ability to develop an awareness of my form. I can detect what’s wrong because I confidently know what feels right. This truth is even more important on our walk with Christ! When we know the Word of God deeply and intimately, it develops in us the knowledge of good vs. evil. Proverbs 9:10 says: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
When we invest in the Word of God with the same level of commitment that we give to sports, school, work, etc., we will begin to develop wisdom and an understanding of the Holy One that will strengthen our minds and hearts. When we intimately know what is right, we are more equipped to immediately recognize when something we hear or read is not founded in Biblical truth. And in today’s world, that will always be our best defense.
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