Don’t forget to read Part 1: The Challenge of Applying What We Learn

The Spiritual Beat Must Go On

In our walk with God, we must maintain a rhythm—a balance between learning and doing. This rhythm is essential for spiritual growth. When our learning surpasses our doing, we become ineffective. On the other hand, when our doing surpasses our learning, we risk becoming reckless. The key is to maintain a healthy balance where our learning and doing are in harmony, working together.

Imagine someone learning to drive a car. You could spend hours in a classroom learning the rules of the road, but unless you actually get behind the wheel and practice driving, you will never truly learn how to drive. Conversely, if you jump into a car without knowing the rules, you’re likely to make dangerous mistakes. The balance between learning and doing is critical—both in driving and in our spiritual lives.

God never intended for us to simply accumulate knowledge. He desires for us to apply what we learn, to live out our faith in practical ways. This is where true faithfulness is found—when our learning and doing are in sync.

Think of the Apostle Peter. When Jesus called him to walk on water, Peter had to balance what he knew about Jesus with his willingness to step out in faith. He could have stayed in the boat, relying on the safety of what he knew, but instead, he acted on his faith and stepped out. Yes, Peter faltered when he took his eyes off Jesus, but the important lesson is that he was willing to act on what he knew—he was willing to step out of the boat.

The Consequences of Imbalance

What happens when this rhythm is disrupted? When our learning surpasses our doing, we become spiritually bloated—filled with knowledge but lacking the power of transformation. We become like the Dead Sea, which takes in water but never releases it, resulting in a lifeless state of apathy. Conversely, when our doing surpasses our learning, we become reckless, acting without the wisdom and guidance that come from God’s Word.

To be effective in our Christian walk, we must be like rivers, where the water flows in and out, bringing life wherever it goes. This balance is what keeps us spiritually healthy, growing, and effective in the kingdom of God.

Challenge #2: Find Your Rhythm

This week, examine your life for areas where you may be out of rhythm. Are you learning more than you’re applying? Or are you doing without truly understanding? Commit to finding that balance. Choose one area of your life—be it prayer, service, or reading—and strive to align your learning and doing. As you do this, reflect on the difference it makes in your spiritual growth and your effectiveness in serving others.