Hello Hump Day Readers, here’s a devotion topic I’ve never entertained so hang on to the reigns on your camel! A couple days ago I read an article about how Einstein formulated his Theory of Relativity. Although it mostly went over my head, I was also fascinated, especially because the story began somewhat with General Douglas MacArthur! Read on for this interesting nugget of history…

When General Douglas MacArthur was a young West Point student, he was asked to give a report on a section of reading about the time-space relationship later formulated by Einstein as his Theory of Relativity. The reading was incredibly complex and, being unable to comprehend it, MacArthur committed the pages to memory. When he was called upon to give his report, he solemnly reeled off almost word for word what the book said. It might have been impressive to the other students, the not to the instructor who looked at him somewhat quizzically and then dropped a ‘bomb question’ asking, “Do you understand this theory?”

MacArthur’s answer was honest, “No, sir” but it was like the shot that went around the world to those in the lecture hall. After a seemingly long pause, MacArthur braced himself and waited for discipline that he hoped didn’t end in dismissal. Finally, the slow words of the professor pronounced with sincere brevity: “Neither do I, Mr. MacArthur. Section dismissed.”

I can equate with MacArthur because my ‘A’ student time in school did exactly that. I had an almost perfect photographic memory and I read forward and backwards (still do—but not so much on the memory stuff). For me, tests were a dream. Thankfully not a single teacher asked me if I understood some of the things I had memorized (like Algebra and Chemistry.)

It also reminded me of my Lutheran Confirmation. With only 3 of us in the class, that final quiz was in front of the congregation and we had to share what we memorized. A breeze to me, but to be honest, I had a lot of questions of what I memorized. I drove my pastor nuts for answers! (How wonderful it would have been to have the Message Bible at that time?!)

As my faith matured, one thing that I knew I needed to explore was the memorized passages in my head and what they truly meant. Going to seminary made that even more upfront. Did I always get the answer the way I wanted it—no, but I could now understand and process those nuggets of Scripture which continue to lead me on God’s path for my life journey.

James 2:19-20 [Voice], brings this “understanding problem” to life: “Do you think that just believing there’s one God is going to get you anywhere? The demons believe that, too, and it terrifies them! The fact is, faith has to show itself through works performed in faith. If you don’t recognize that, then you’re an empty soul.”

Is often easy to know something without understanding or accepting it. You can know that Jesus Christ came to earth, died for your sins, and rose again, but never really accept it for yourself. Heck, even the demons believe God but don’t follow God. It’s like coming out of seminary, you have so much head knowledge that little of it trickles down to your heart. Knowledge without belief is just a lot of words that can sound impressive but do little for your heart, mind, and soul. You have to process your learning and make it real for yourself.

For me, being a small group leader is one that helps me share the knowledge I’ve learned because I know I can’t share something if I don’t understand and have not taken it to heart. My heart if filled each weekly class as we share, ask, dive into something and find the incredible wonders God has for each of us. I call it “heavenly knowledge sharing!”

I don’t memorize much anymore, not sure if it is age or my thought process. Yes, many Scriptures stay firmly in my mind—I may forget who wrote them, but I never forget who gave the writers the power to do so! There is always something new with God, including ancient history! Dive into it—not to puff-up your Bible knowledge—but to give your heart, mind, body and soul the gift of God’s Word that will manifest in your life. So, memorize if you wish, but understand what you are putting into your memory because when troubles come—and we all know they will—having the security in the Lord’s leading makes all the difference as we live out our faith journeys in this world. AMEN!