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A Texas rancher driving through Vermont stopped to let a farmer's cow cross the road. As the farmer passed in front of the Cadillac convertible, the rancher called out, "How much land you got, partner?"
"Well," the farmer replied, "my land runs all the way down there to them trees along the brook. On the meadow side, over there, it goes clean up to those rocks on the hill."
"You know," said the rancher, "I got a spread in Texas, and I can get in my pickup and drive all day without reaching any of the boundary lines."
"That's so?" said the farmer. "I had a truck like that once."
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Understanding is essential to spiritual growth. Intellect is to be engaged, as well as heart, in our following Christ. Faith in and Love for God does not excuse us from serious engagement of mind with the aspects of faith. While much about faith will remain a mystery, the true understandings we arrive at help us to appreciate the mystery more.
Jesus never downplayed understanding. He realized the mind is essential to spiritual discernment.
We need to keep learning, and some of this learning, possibly most of it, will be un-learning. How can I affirm my heart is right with God if I am too proud of mind to change my opinion? How can I claim faith if I am too fearful to remain open to intuitions and insights more faithful to Truth than matters handed to me as true?
14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,
‘When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
15 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.
*Matthew 13.14-16, NLT
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1) Do you find it difficult or easy to change your opinion on religious matters? Explain.
2) What does Jesus mean by "blessed ... eyes" and "ears"?
3) How do you seek to integrate heart and mind in your spiritual walk?
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry focused on Christians living as spiritual disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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