The dictionary definition of deep is profound, intense, or intriguing. It is to think and feel deeply about a subject, or to have deep insights and understanding. Shallow in contrast indicates a superficial understanding and a lack of insight.
I think all of us would prefer to cultivate depth rather than shallowness in the way we relate to God, others and the world.
To be people who are growing and have a depth of spirituality, relationship, awareness and understanding we can seek to:
1.Look beyond the obvious or surface appearances of people and things and search for more. Shallowness makes quick judgements based on appearances, never bothering to look beyond the surface to such things as kindness, compassion, and what is really in people’s hearts.
2. Think critically; explore, examine, search out and evaluate. Be hungry for the deeper things of life, and of God. Plus people who choose to look for more than just the superficial are far more interesting to be around.
3. Listen – deep people take the time to listen to other people; they seek after and listen to know and hear from God. They realise they have “two ears for listening, and one mouth for speaking”.
4. Be true to who you are, whilst realizing that your behavior affects others. Deep people take responsibility for their words and actions.
God has made us with the ability to dig deeper; to be people who look beyond the surface and who think, explore and search for the richer things. God says that He will share with us the deep hidden things, and the mysteries of the universe if we seek and hunger after Him. What we know of God is merely the tip of the iceberg compared to what He will reveal to those who will seek His face. Plus the more we know of God the deeper and richer everything else becomes around us too.
The bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor anything above, nor anything below, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is ours in union with the Messiah Jesus, our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Don’t be shallow, but instead determine to be a person of depth. Choose to go further and deeper in your relationship and understanding of God, other people and the diverse world around you.
Prayer: Lord I want to go deeper, and to understand, experience and know you, and those around me more. Help me to look beneath the surface to all that you have for me. In Jesus name Amen.
Comentários