Remember to Rest

Theology
Soteriology
Christology
Pneumatology
Eschatology
Ecclesiaology
Missiology
Bibliology
Patrology
Anthropology
Cosmology
And the list goes on.
What I have listed for you are some of the various "-ologies" of Christianity. Each of them representing the study of something. Whether we are talking about God, Salvation, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Church, etc. the point is that we are still studying. Still looking for answers. Still doing what we can do to understand what it is we believe and why we believe it. And while these things are not bad in and of themselves, it's what we do with them that can create a lot of problems.

In John 5:39-40 we read what Jesus thought of the religious leaders attempt at searching the Scriptures. "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me that you may have life." Over and over again during His ministry Jesus would point out how they had mishandled the Scriptures and the teachings that had been handed down to them. He had a lot to say about how they had burdened down the people with these beliefs. Which begs the question, in all of our "-ologies": Where's the REST?

How can we rest when we place so much emphasis on all of these things? When they become more important than our experience and knowledge of Jesus? The point is, much like the religious leaders that Jesus confronted, we can get our focus on the wrong things. We can search the Scriptures to validate ourselves. To set up our own belief systems. To create division. All the while, in the process, never come to know the Lord. Matthew Henry, the Bible commentator, said: "It is possible to be studious in the letter and yet strange to its power."

Here's some things to think about:
1) If what you believe about God doesn't cause you to love more there's a good chance you've missed the point.
2) If what you believe about Jesus has caused you to be more judgmental you may want to take a closer look.
3) If what you have come to understand about the Bible has kept you from honoring all people you may want to study a little more.
4) And please...please...learn what it means to REST in Jesus.

Don't get caught up in all the "-ologies." Love the Lord with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. He will take care of the rest.
Sit back and breathe. Know you are loved. Enjoy the journey.