Head vs. Heart

There are many people in the world who have head knowledge.  They know a lot.  Some people call them 'know-it-alls'.  They may also be known as 'book smart'.  They are life-long students---sometimes going for one degree after another.  [It's normally the way of the intellectual world.]

However, there will be no actual transformation in them or their lives.  They will keep obtaining head knowledge which is knowledge people know intellectually---in the mind.

There comes a point in time when people have so much head knowledge that it is either overwhelming or useless though. 

God tells us in His word..."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."  (Romans 12:2a, NIV) 

He does want us to get knowledge in our minds, but it's the kind of knowledge which is different from the rest of the world.  He used people in His word to communicate it to us. 

For one, the Psalmist spoke some about biblical knowledge.  "Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands."  (Psalm 119:66, NIV)

King Solomon who was considered the wisest man speaks much about getting and having knowledge in the book of Proverbs.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)

Notice he said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  When we revere and honor the Lord, it starts the real process of obtaining good knowledge.

We must first obtain what some people call 'head knowledge'.  If the knowledge continues to stay just in our minds though, it doesn't do us or anyone else any good. 

Alternatively, there is heart knowledge---known as revelation.  The head knowledge must eventually become heart knowledge.

"...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans 12:2b, NIV)  We won't be able to truly know and understand God's will for us until the head knowledge becomes heart knowledge or revelation. 

So, there is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge.  Additionally, we definitely must have head knowledge before it can even become heart knowledge. 

How do we get knowledge to move from the head to the heart? 

....By meditating on God's word.  "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."  (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

God will help make us successful and prosperous in doing His perfect will when we meditate [think, ponder, consider] His word.  There will not be any real or lasting change in a person, his situation, or his life until he truly receives heart knowledge---revelation---and then walks it out in this world.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.