My friend Ray in New Hampshire told me that a friend of his tried to get him to read a book full of complicated concepts such as how the speed of light might shed light on dates in the Bible. The author derives specific dates for everything from the creation of Adam to the birth of Jesus. 

We had been discussing the apparent lack of spiritual maturity as defined in Hebrews 5.12 – 14 among many church members.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5.12 – 14, NKJV) 

Ray and I believe that “skilled” handling of the Word has nothing to do with deep knowledge of esoteric things. Rather, it has to do with letting the Word speak to how we live. “Discerning good and evil” – not “right” versus “wrong” theology.

Ray’s friend kept asking if he had acquired the book (I don’t know the name of it). Ray finally wrote something like this:

I am a simple man. I live by Psalm 131.1 and 2: O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul… (NASB) Since I don’t have the background to understand the arguments this author is making, I will not be reading this book. I don’t think it would serve to “compose and quiet” my soul.

Ray also believes that even if true, the book would do little to help one actually live the Christian life. 

Ray might claim to be simple, but that doesn’t mean he’s stupid! He graduated from the Air Force Academy, flew tankers in the Air Force, and has a master’s from Dallas Theological Seminary. Like me, he gives his life to helping others know and live by the Word and help others do the same.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1.22, NIV)

Knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8.1, NIV)