2007-06-12 08:16:36 · 15 answers · asked by Micah 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Humility; being humble, meek
To be humble means to be teachable. Prideful persons are not willing to let go of their own selfish ideas or philosphies. Rather than rely on what the Bible states is true, they would rather believe in the things they have been taught their whole life or things that they feel is right but have no scriptural basis.
The Bible itself states that the Devil is misleading the "entire inhabitied earth" (Revelation 12:9) It is important therefore, to make sure that what we belive is firmly rooted in the Bible. Over the years several teachings and doctrines have developed that have no Biblical basis.
When we read the Bible, it is good to take these steps to get the most understanding from it:
1.Pray earnestly for understanding. This shows God that we honestly want to be taught by him. It also impresses on our minds and hearts that we need to rely on God and not our own thinking. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
2.Let go of any preconcieved ideas. If you wanted to, you could find a scripture to support any false idea out there.If you want to understand the truth of the Bible, always conisider the context of a scripture. Also, consider what the rest of the Bible has to say on the subject.
3. Meditate on what you read. To meditate on something means to ponder over it, thinking about it. Most people find it helpful to read a passage of scripture and then take several minutes to think about what they just read. What does it tell you about God's personality? His moral standards? How can you imitate God in this regard? and etc.
4. Put what you read into action. The best way to learn anything is to do it yourself. When you read a scripture such as 1 John 4:8, which says "God is love", why not put that into action in your life? Perhaps after carefully looking over 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, you could resolve to imitate what this passage of scripture says about love. Make a conscious effort to constantly display such love.
5. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Just be sure to ask a qualified person. Remember, though, just because someone has a title, such as Pastor, Priest, Minister, and so forth doesn't mean they are qualified by God. As you learn what the Bible really teaches, you will find that most religions are NOT living in accord with what the Bible teaches. Often, qualified teachers will show up right at your door (Acts 542)
The Bible is not hard to understand- at least not as hard some people make it. Remember, if you have a humble attitude, like small children often do, Jesus himself said that you will understand. However, for those who are prideful, and wise and intelectuals in their own minds, will never understand the truth of the Bible. -Matthew 11:25
2007-06-12 08:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by johnusmaximus1 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Humility, which includes the ability to admit that what you've always thought or been told about the bible might be inaccurate. Jesus said that any would come to him claiming they worshipped him properly, but he will tell them, "I never knew you- get away from me!" Evidently there are people who think they know the bible and the One who wrote it, else this passage would be meaningless. (Matthew 7:21-23) Kinda funny, but Yoda from Star Wars has the key when he said, "You must unlearn what you have learned." Give the bible a fresh start when you study it and chances are you will understand it better. All the commentary and opinion out there about the bible is what leads to confusion about it!
2007-06-12 17:51:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anomaly 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The attitude of a scholar is required for this
Understand the language it was translated from.
Understand the language it was written in.
Understand that its truth is found by each reader and is not necessarily what any other reader claims it to be.
Have an attitude that is willing to think and to make judgements of your own, because its purpose is to teach wisdom in the living of life.
2007-06-12 15:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by Happy Camper 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A humble attitude,as God states that he resists the proud
2007-06-12 15:21:05 · answer #4 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Pray and ask God for help in understanding what you are reading, and then put into practice the things that you learn.
2007-06-12 15:25:53 · answer #5 · answered by Joseph 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well you have to have a humble attitude and your spirit and attitude have to be in right standing to hear what the lord has to say
2007-06-12 15:19:51 · answer #6 · answered by CHERISH 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to have a positive attitude and be willing to learn.
2007-06-12 16:35:40 · answer #7 · answered by Icyelene R 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A logical mind understands the bible just fine.
An illogical mind believes the bible is the word of God.
2007-06-12 15:29:56 · answer #8 · answered by The Walkin Dude 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
read The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales by Bruno Bettelheim
And
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
Bettelheim posits that if children are allowed to read about the trials, tribulations, successes and failures encountered by the heroes of fairy tales, this will better prepare them for the trials, tribulations, successes and failures that they will encounter in their own lives.
The role of the hero figured largely in Campbell's comparative studies. In 1949 The Hero with a Thousand Faces introduced his idea of the monomyth (borrowed from James Joyce), which outlined some of the archetypal patterns Campbell recognized. Heroes were important to Campbell because, to him, they conveyed universal truths about one's personal self-discovery and self-transcendence, one's role in society, and the relationship between the two.
2007-06-12 15:37:09 · answer #9 · answered by hairypotto 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
A total suspension of rationality and critical thinking.
2007-06-12 15:23:20 · answer #10 · answered by Simon T 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋