Intellectual knowledge comes from outside yourself...from books, lectures, and the opinions of speakers. Actually, it is information rather than knowledge. What we refer to as intellectual knowledge is just suggestions and opinions you have accepted from others.
Spiritual understanding comes from within. It can only happen with frequent periods of silence, inner stillness, meditation or whatever term you use for the act of getting quiet, going within, and listening, waiting, desiring, yearning for understanding.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asked, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" The answer, "Some say John the Baptist, other say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." That answer came from intellectual informantion.
Then Jesus said, "But who do YOU say that I am?" And Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This wasn't information from a book or a teacher...this was spiritual understanding from Peter's illumined mind.
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
Intellectual knowledge...a book, a lecture, a radio program can be helpful but it only tells you ABOUT a power, a potential...ABOUT God. Spiritual understanding allows you to KNOW God. Knowing "about" is intellectual knowledge, but spiritual understanding is KNOWING.
Day by day, hour by hour...work at being aware of an invisible Power and Presence. Act from the guidance of the Light with you, instead of reacting the way the outer condition or person tells you to do.
I'm holding the high watch...
Rev. Donna
1 comment:
Donna, your messages always bring me joy, inspiration and instruction. Thank you for blogging these blogs for us....I enjoy learning from you - you always hit the proverbial nail right on the head! Love to you, Tim
Post a Comment