It’s interesting to me how much information we receive on a daily basis. There are so many how to videos, articles, and books out nowadays that you can pretty much gain access to anything you want to learn with the snap of a finger. The abundance of information on many topics is limitless. As I was researching something on the internet one day, I ran across a concept called “The Cone of Learning” by Edgar Dale that caught my attention. In a nutshell, the idea behind the concept is that we retain less of what we read, hear, or see; and more of what we say, do, or teach. As I was reviewing the diagram associated with this concept, I immediately thought about how it not only applies to learning in general but it also applies to spiritual maturity as a Christian as well. On average, a typical Christian attends church every Sunday or so to hear a word from the preacher. But is this enough?

The Bible tells us in James 1:22 that “we must not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive ourselves. Do what it says.” Going to church is good because the Word tells us that we should not neglect our meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). Church is also a place that can aid us in growing in our faith. Romans 10:17 tells us that “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” So going to church is good! Though church should not be the only place we are spiritually fed because we should also “study to shew thyself approved unto God.” (2 Timothy 2:15a). According to the “Cone of Learning” diagram, we retain the least amount of information, estimated to be under 10%, that is received in lectures (which seems to be the teaching style of most preachers). Yes, that’s right…under 10%. Imagine how dangerous it would be if someone only knew 10% of the information associated with driving. If they knew how to press the button on the key fob to open the car but had no idea how to start the car, reverse it, park it, or use any other features in the car, yet alone drive it! Not to mention that the car has an operator’s manual in the glove compartment yet they never bothered to read it. This is analogous to our life as Christians. God has given us everything we need for life similar to how most cars come with an operator’s manual. You can sit and hear lectures about a Ferrari or read all the books you want, but until you drive one or teach someone else how to drive one you won’t get the full experience. In like manner, going to church and just hearing a good sermon from a preacher or merely just reading the Word isn’t enough. We have to put it into action and do what it says. As we mature in Christ, there should be an increase of saying, doing, and teaching God’s Word. I think of Hebrews 5:12-14 where Paul says,

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Can you imagine putting time and effort into teaching someone something to then only have to go back later and teach the exact same thing? Someone of you have done this and know the frustration associated with this. We as Christians should never be content with being stagnant in our spiritual walk. We should continue growing and striving to be as much like Christ as possible. It’s interesting that many times we’ll hear someone say that a person is strong in their faith if they are fluent in the Word but spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how much of the Word you know. Geez…the devil himself knows the Word. Don’t believe me? Check out Matthew 4. But it is obedience to the Word of God that is a measure of spiritual maturity.  If we look at Matthew 4 we can learn from Jesus dealing with temptation from the devil in the wilderness. Each time Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded with a scripture. Jesus not only knew the Word though, He acted in obedience to it and He knew how to rightfully apply it. He wasn’t easily deceived. I want to encourage you to continue to be in environments to see, hear, and read The Word of God. But not only that. Let’s go beyond that and actually do and even teach what it says. This is what is pleasing to Our Heavenly Father! I triple dog dare you to DO IT!