Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." As peace cannot be kept by force, neither can loving God be forced upon individuals. Both peace and loving God can only be achieved by understanding. Understanding something, or in this case Someone, goes deeper than knowledge.
Having a knowledge of God is a stepping stone that should lead us to a deeper understanding of God. However, our human tendencies and our sinful natures keep us from truly understanding the God who loves, redeems and is coming to take us home. Penned in the Letters and Manuscripts, Ellen White shares this thought. "O how far short we come of understanding God! The so-called greatest and most highly cultured men and women in this world are comparatively nothing more than little children, receiving paternal instruction from the Lord God of heaven." 17LtMs, Lt 180, 1902, par.21
What understanding of God are we needing today? What understanding of God would help us love and respect him more? As you listen to the sermonic thought today, ay you see that the improvement of understanding has two ends: first to increase our own understanding. Secondly, to enable you to deliver that knowledge to others! May you share what you learn this Sabbath with someone who needs. . . to understand God.
So, until the next time. . . this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives!
Pastor Howard Tello