The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Psalm 94:11 nkjv

Man, particularly in our culture, has an inordinate esteem for his own intellect, reason, and knowledge. His powers of logic and analysis have produced much material benefit and advancement for people. The breadth of his scientific achievements amazes him. When he compares himself to other men in other times, he feels superior.

This pride of knowledge is common in men from all ages and cultures. In Jesus’ time the learned scribes and religious leaders were deemed authorities of Scripture and acted as judges regarding God’s word. But their knowledge so entangled them that they became blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

They knew the tiniest details of the words in scripture, but could not see the Truth who stood before them . . . You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:38-40 nkjv

God’s truth is presented to a whole man. It is to be heard, understood, or processed by all his faculties. The mind (intellect) is one. Others include the emotions, the imagination, intuition, desires, the will, the body, and the spirit. These elements of our humanity have vast capabilities.

When these faculties are not included in our experience of God – His presence and His truth – our ‘knowledge’ is woefully skewed. The God who does not dwell in temples made by man’s hands is certainly not contained or defined by the thoughts of man’s mind. When our minds along with all our faculties are not subject to the Holy Spirit, we will talk big, but live little.

Elaborating on a thought I first heard from Bill Johnson: if man makes his own understanding the high watermark for his life, how will he experience the peace that passes understanding, or the love that surpasses knowledge? If man’s mind determines the extent of his place in God, how will he receive far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, by the Power that works within him?