When we hear the word shallow used in relation to an individual we immediately assume it is not a compliment. I can still recall a boy in high school telling me that I was pretty, but shallow. My assumption can only be that he thought being candid was a good thing, and that from his perspective he may have thought it would be helpful if I had this understanding of myself. I can tell you that at sixteen I am sure I was shallow, considering that I still had lots to learn about myself, and yet when this boy told me this I felt very little in the way of self loathing. Actually, I recall taking some time to reflect on what he had said and afterwards feeling confident enough to move forward. After all, at sixteen who is not shallow? My conclusion was that what I presently lacked I made up for in heart. I knew I wanted to understand and be knowledgeable in many areas, but I also knew that I had years ahead in which to pursue these interests.
I am someone who loves the depth of understanding that comes from studying God’s Word. You can read the same Scripture over and over again and yet you know that there is still more to understand. In the beginning, my time spent in God’s Word was more about surface understanding, but eventually that shallow understanding went much deeper. The picture that comes to mind is walking into the water at the beach. We all know that what starts out shallow will become much deeper the further we walk forward, which means that we make a conscious decision to go deeper as we continue to walk.
Many years ago I was in conversation with a gentleman who appeared to have a very broad knowledge of many areas. I found him interesting and much to be admired for his tenacity to study and pursue knowledge, but the longer we were in conversation it became clear that although this man had much knowledge of many things, he lacked the depth of understanding that would give him key information that he needed. In his own words, he said that he knew many things, but that his understanding was without depth and fullness. I found it very disheartening to know that someone had spent considerable time reading and pursing merely for a surface understanding. It was very surprising!
I want to possess an understanding that is intelligent, well-informed, discerning, and perceptive, and I know that I can only do this when I am committed to seeking the Holy Spirit and His input daily on what I pursue.
1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
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