Do you enjoy a good library? I do. I love learning. One advantage to self awareness is that I don’t know half as much as I think I know nor enough of what I should. Libraries, whether the old brick and mortar kinds or the virtual ones, provide venues for expanded understanding about a wide range of subjects. They fill some of the gaps between what I know and what I should know. And so, I could spend hours in a good library, as I’m sure could many of you.
But what profit is there in learning if we don’t do anything with it? I suppose there is benefit to learning for learning’s sake. And certainly there is blessing in learning from scripture simply for the joy and worship in it.
But knowledge often carries a purpose. For example, if I spend hours in the library reading books on plumbing, I create an expectation that, the next time my sink leaks, I should do something about it. And as medical knowledge increases, physicians learn new procedures that they then must apply to their patients. In the same way, when we learn something, from scripture study, the conferences we attend, or the references we draw from, the information we now have brings with it the responsibility for application.
This brings us to the lab. Laboratories are places where knowledge is applied. Learners expand their knowledge of a given field, then move to the lab where they act upon what they have learned, doing things differently, and hopefully better than before.
So, we have libraries and labs. Libraries allow us to gain knowledge. Labs allow us to practice it. My question for you is, in which of these two do you spend most of your time?
It’s possible to spend it all in the library, studying the latest volumes, viewing a preferred webinar, listening to a favorite pod cast. But some people learn wonderful truths and wisdom from these and other sources, yet fail to do anything with what they’ve learned. Then they ask why nothing changes.
It’s also possible to run to the lab, to the practical world around us, yet not give time to study. With the excuse, “I’d rather not be so heavenly minded that I’m no earthly good,” they focus on doing. I was joking above, but really I have never met anyone who knows everything they need to know. Not about scripture, life, and certainly not the local church. The best practice is always informed by dedicated learning.
So how do we balance our time between the library and the lab? Allow me to share a couple of suggestions, confessing that many of you exemplify both far better than I.
First, be a scholar. I don’t mean you should enroll in a degree necessarily. But make learning a personal priority. Since most of you reading are pastors and ministry leaders, I will assume you know the value of Bible study. Beyond that, set aside time and develop a plan for personal learning.
I like to break this into two broad categories, learning that enables ministry and learning for personal interest. The latter includes spiritual matter along with some non-spiritual content. For each I’ve selected a few sources, particularly podcasts, blogs, and conferences to keep me current on the larger trends. Then through these I discover books, journals and other sources for deeper study. However you do it, be a life-long learner.
Second, remember you are a practitioner. So, when a principle learned strikes a chord, or when it relates closely to your ministry, ask the follow-up question: “What does this mean for me and the church I serve?” Then, at the risk of quoting the old Nike slogan, just do it.
After every conference I attend or book I read, I work through a personal list of questions as a guide for application. By this I am able to keep content fresh, drawing the most from what I’ve learned before I lose it among life and work routines.
The Great Commission calls us to “…teach them to obey all that I have commanded you.” In other words, learning begets action. So, in your personal life and practice of ministry, don’t neglect the library. Just make sure you make it to the lab.
What are you doing to balance the two and make the most of what you’ve learned? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Blessings!
Bro. Jim