“There should be no disconnect between spiritual and intellectual pursuits. The mind and soul are not enemies. They are allies. I don’t think you can be spiritual, in the truest sense of the word, without being intellectual. And I don’t think you can be intellectual, in the truest sense of the word, without being spiritual. As the mind expands, so does the soul.”- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson continues Chapter 6 of Primal, he discusses curiosity as a holy instinct. Our curiosity in regard to God, Pastor Batterson states, fuels an insatiable desire to know Him. And our holy curiosity regarding God’s creation fuels an inborn desire to discover its wonders. Pastor Batterson exhorts:
“So please don’t miss this primal truth: one way we glorify God is by exploring and educating ourselves about everything He has created. The innate impetus is holy curiosity. And the result is the praise of discovery.”
In addition, even when we discover or experience something that’s common knowledge, Mark believes that God loves it. Just like a parent responds when children make new discoveries. And the excitement never ends. Because, even in eternity, we’ll never discover all God is or run out of praise for all He’s done.
Finally, Mark observes, the goal of learning revolves around expanding our God-given imagination. In the process, we expand our appreciation of who God is and what He has made.
Hence, Mark asserts, your depth of knowledge may have more to do with how much you love God than you think. For example, Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that the Samaritans knew very little about the one they worshiped. Thus, the author encourages, “God doesn’t just want you to worship Him; He wants you to know why you worship Him.”
Therefore, if God interrupted you as you sang a hymn or praise song to ask you why you were singing that song, would you be speechless?
Today’s question: Do your mind and soul work as enemies or allies? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Don’t take yes for an answer”
