Lifelong Learning: Embracing Growth in Your Spiritual Journey

Recently, my 10-month-old granddaughter was crawling around when she discovered a bag of mini Reese's Cups. Although she has yet to taste chocolate or candy, it was amusing to watch her curiosity. She didn’t even manage to unwrap one until she was caught in the act, but it's clear she is learning, even at such a young age.

A close friend of mine is working his last day today at a job he’s had for the past eight years. Starting Monday, he will embark on a completely new career path. There's no doubt he will be learning a lot in this new chapter.

As for myself, there are times when I work on a sermon and reread a well-known passage, only to discover something new and exciting. This reminds me that learning is an ongoing process, and it never stops.

Learning should be a lifelong journey. God presents us with a vast world and life full of opportunities for growth each day, and none of us have begun to fully grasp all of it. We must remain in a constant state of learning. As a Christian grows, they change. As D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.” In Psalm 119:66, David wrote, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe your commandments.” Both David and D.L. Moody sought to learn and, in doing so, transform themselves.

I’ve often heard older individuals say, “Been there, done that,” as if they have learned everything they need to know and are now satisfied. When you encounter people with this mindset, you often find individuals who are no longer growing—people who are stagnating and, in a sense, slowly withering away.

Remember, Jesus said, “I have come so that you may have LIFE…” (John 10:10). In my mind, He was speaking about the whole person—spiritually and physically.

Part of living fully is embracing learning—keeping an open mind and challenging ourselves. There will come a time when we transition to the eternal learning lab, but until then, we should continue to reach, stretch, and grow in every way possible.