The Practice of Study
We’ve all heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” It’s a simple way of stating that if you eat healthy foods, you will be a healthy person. And the opposite is true, too. If we eat nothing but junk food, eventually our bodies will be unhealthy. The same goes for what our minds consume. Scientists refer to this concept as “neuroplasticity,” which means that our brains are malleable. We continue to shape our minds and create neural connections as we live, and the form our minds take largely depends on what we feed it.
Paul gives us a great approach to how we can transform our minds in his letter to the Philippians: “Whatever is true, whatever is admirable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Essentially, Paul says if you desire to be a more honest and admired person, you must study things that are true and admirable.
Holy Scripture is obviously the most common resource that Christians tend to study, but we need not be confined only to the wisdom found in the Bible. Because we believe in the incarnation, that God’s Spirit is manifest in the world, we can be assured that wherever there is truth, there is Christ. Below is a guide for incorporating the practice of study more deeply into your journey as a disciple. Peace be with you.
Week One
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5-7, can be seen as a summary of all of Jesus’ teachings. Study this passage at least once a day and keep a running list of any reflections that come to mind.
week two
Read one of the classics of Christian literature this week, highlighting phrases and passages that stand out to you. When you finish the book, write one or two of the most powerful sections on a notecard that you can keep somewhere like the fridge or bathroom mirror where you’ll often see it. (Book suggestions: The Imitation of Christ, Practicing the Presence of God, Mere Christianity)
week Three
Choose something in creation to study this week (trees, birds, oceans) that you can spend some time observing. Write down details you notice. Draw pictures of it. Watch a documentary that focuses on it. Let your thoughts wander as you survey this part of nature and ask God what you can learn from it.
Week Four
Read through the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and choose one to study this week. Search for books, articles, podcasts, or other media that discuss how to cultivate this fruit. For example, you might study the fruit of ‘peace’ by reading Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh or watching movies like Ghandi or Selma that have peace as a focal point.