Series is a book review and study of Richard Foster’s Book, Celebration of Discipline. All quotes from the book are Foster unless otherwise denoted.
Being the dork that I am, I was practically elated when I first read about the spiritual disciples to see that study was one of them. I love to read, I love learning, and yes, I was am obsessed with back to school displays at Target and getting new notebooks, folders, pens…the works. I’m still that person who writes everything down and needs a paper planner, so the idea of increasing my knowledge in regards to scripture was huge at a time when I only knew of my relationship with God to be one of emotional attachment.
Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of the discipline of study. Many are hampered and confused in the spiritual walk by a simple ignorance of the truth. Good feelings will not free us. Ecstatic experiences will not free us. Getting “high on Jesus” will not free us. Without a knowledge of the truth, we will not be free. (John 8:32)
The mind will always take on an order conforming to the order upon which it concentrates. (Rom 12:2) We are to focus on the things of God – the Word especially – and be molded into the image of Christ. What we study determines the kind of habits that are formed, which is why Paul urges us to focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious. (phil 4:8) The discipline of study is the primary vehicle that bring us to “think about these things” (Phil 4:8). Likewise, if we study things of this world, we will become like this world.
So how are we to study? Foster suggests four steps in study that we can practically practice.
Repetition. It is not even important that the person believe what he or she is repeating, only that it be repeated. This is true initially, and as we see with repetition, we start to believe. Whether good or bad, you see, hear, or say something enough, you start to believe it. How can we cling to the truth if we don’t seek repetition in it? Otherwise, we will start to believe the lies that surround us.
Concentrated. “We live in a culture that does not value concentration…we are the lesser for this dissipation of our energies.” We are saturated in a culture that offers a vast variety of things – with novelty around every corner, and we forget how to be still. To meditate on God’s word, and concentrate our efforts to one task.
Comprehension.
Comprehension focuses on the knowledge of the truth. It is more than simply being told the truth, but being able to retell the truth. To take in the knowledge and begin to understand the meaning behind it.
Reflection.
Reflection defines the significance of what we are studying. It takes us from knowledge to understanding and ultimately to applying. Study simply cannot happen until we are willing to be subject to the subject matter.
Often, when we contemplate study, we assume we should employ the study of books, generally ones that are outside of the Bible. Study is an exacting art involving a labyrinth of details. When we read a book, 3 intrinsic and 3 extrinsic rules govern our study:
Intrinsic:
Understanding the text.
Interpreting the text.
All too often people rush to the application stage and bypass the interpretation stage. If we don’t interpret what the text is saying, how can we apply it to our lives?
Evaluating what the text means.Extrinsic:
Experience from and in our daily lives.
Utilizing other books.
Experience from and in our daily lives.
Utilizing other books.
The great writings that take up the central issues of life interact with one another, they cannot be read in isolation. The first and most important book we are to study is the Bible. We come to the scripture to be changed, not to amass information.
Live discussion in groups with others who are on the journey as well.
Study is in depth, time consuming, and hard work. Daily devotional reading is not study…anyone who is after “a little word from God for today” is not interested in the discipline of study. While spending time daily in devotional reading focuses us on God, and is an essential part to maintaining relationship with Christ, this time of devotion focuses more heavily on prayer and meditation than on study. Think about when you were in school, it was called “studying” unless you set apart time to devote to reading the text, asking questions, seeking answers, memorizing the work, articulating responses and determining how to apply the knowledge you’ve gathered. The same is true of scripture. The most difficult problem is not finding time to be in the heart of the discipline of study, but convincing oneself that this is important enough to set aside the time to do so. During study, it’s often wise to keep a journal of your findings. To record your questions, your revelations, and see how the Lord is moving through that time.
I will also bring a word of caution: do not be overwhelmed or discouraged by all the books you have not read. I often find myself feeling this way – seeing the ever growing list of books filing my ‘to read’ list. Feeling as though I will always be lacking in knowledge simply because I have yet to dive into all the literature that is available to me. It is necessary to remember that the key to the discipline of study is not reading many books, but experiencing what we do read.
The study of nonverbal “books” is also of particular importance. This being the observation of reality in things, events, and actions that are occurring in our world. The first step in the study of nature is reverent observation. Taking the time to watch the sunset. To feel the breeze and smell the flowers and feel the blades of grass between our toes. The next step is to love. Cherish nature and the animals on this Earth. Take notice of their beauty, and see within them His power. Then we will be able to observe the relationships that go on between human beings. Then we will be able to be in community and conversation with others. Let’s learn to ask questions. Let’s learn how to study this book that holds the most precious words we know. Study produces knowledge. Study produces joy. And it is well worth our most serious efforts.
How do you practice the discipline of study?
To recap all of the spiritual disciplines from Foster’s book, check out the full series: Celebrating the Spiritual Disciplines
