I was a fairly young Christian with a thirst to learn more about the Bible. I attended a weekly Bible study, trying to understand and just listen, but I often had so many questions to ask. At one Bible study, the minister, an older gentleman, got upset at a question I asked. In his agitation he said something like this, “It’s been years since I attended seminary. You can’t expect me to remember everything.” He went on to say that he wasn’t going back to school just so he could answer my question.

I was so shocked and hurt at his outrage I kept quiet the rest of the study. However, I couldn’t quit thinking about men of God and how they knew everything about the Bible but slowly lost that learning over the years. I wondered if I should seek out someone who just graduated and see if they had the answers I needed.

At home, I considered my husband’s job. He constantly had to learn new things for his work as advancements came out. He had to keep up or he would not be able to do his job. Teachers, doctors, and almost any field I could think of had continuing training. As a mother and later a homeschooler, I worked hard to keep up with the learning my kids needed.

I read books on the craft of writing to improve. I want each book to be better than the last. I’ve been told my characters need more depth so, next weekend, I will be attending a writing workshop intensive that is focused on character emotion. I am so very excited to do this because my work is important to me, and I want to be the best I can be.

As a Christian, I’ve found I can’t possibly just read through the Bible and know it all. Not even after reading through many times over the years. I can’t picture a time when I would know enough of the Bible that I can quit reading and studying and rest in my knowledge. Learning is a gift, a treasure that I seek out daily.

I don’t recall the question I asked that minister. I do remember growing as a Christian, finding the answer, and being surprised he didn’t know how to reply to my simple inquiry. The Bible encourages us to grow in grace and knowledge. We are told the wise man learns. I’ve never read where we know enough to give up studying the Word. In fact, Bible knowledge and learning leads us to the best kind of learning—becoming more like Christ. I pray my thirst and desire to learn more about Christ is something I never grow tired of or lose.

…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18