If you have ever asked yourself the question: “How do I move forward?” or “How do I advance in my personal life, ministry, or business?” The Lord gave me a word on the answer to these kinds of questions, and that word was “Understanding.”
The definition of the word understanding is being able to grasp the significance, meaning, or nature of something. When you stop learning, you stop growing. When you apply the definition of this word to these questions, you get the simple solution to moving forward. To continue growing and advancing forward, you must have a continual understanding or grasp of fresh revelations in the areas you are trying to grow in.
If you are lacking growth in any area, that is where you are lacking understanding and fresh revelation. The good news is that the Bible is jam-packed with understanding in every genre. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” NIV. The Bible holds parenting knowledge, marriage wisdom, and even business insight; therefore, make a daily commitment to reading the word of God to not just grow spiritually, but also in business and ministry.
In a book I was reading, it said that 90% of conflicts are caused by opinions, tone of voice, or lack of understanding. Have you ever been in an argument and one of the two parties said the phrase, “You just don’t understand.” On another note, sometimes what people say doesn’t frustrate you, but rather, how they said it. Understanding the root cause of these conflicts can help you pull it out from the root, instead of cutting the branches continually. Every principle, guideline, or truth we believe is written in the Bible.
In every conflict, situation, or event, ask yourself, “What Does the Bible Say?” The Bible isn’t just a book; it is the absolute truth and final authority on all matters. Therefore, if you are lacking in understanding on any topic, look for biblical guidance instead of worldly solutions.
Proverbs 18:2 says, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” NLT. This scripture simplified means that people who do not desire biblical understanding of matters are foolish. Most people simply want their opinion to be heard, whether it is correct or incorrect. As believers and people moving forward for the kingdom of God, we must value biblical truth over voicing our opinions. The answer to the question, “How do I move forward in life?” is to gain understanding. Understanding could be a book, a podcast, a video, or anything that provides sound and biblical insight.
The importance of staying rooted in the Word of God can’t be expressed enough. Everything you need can be found in the Bible, and it is the key to favor and increase in your life.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Joe Joe Dawson
Featured Image by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
