January 20

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. — 2 Tim 3:16-17 BSB

On all matters relating to our most holy faith, it is essential to have clear understanding. Every aspect of divine truth is presented with the greatest clarity and precision in the word of God. The darkness, ignorance, and confusion that prevent us from seeing it clearly reside within us. However, as we search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and draw life, light, and wisdom from Christ—"in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"—through prayer and supplication, a gradual breaking-in of light often occurs. As we follow these rays of heavenly light, they shine more brightly, and the truth becomes clearer and more prominent before our eyes. This is the only way we can be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” and thus be established in the faith, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

To grasp the truths of Scripture, to understand the mind of the Holy Spirit, and to be deeply affected by the heavenly wisdom, holy instruction, and revelation of God’s will requires continuous, patient, and prayerful study. Just as diligence and hard work lead to success and prosperity in business, sloth and idleness lead to ruin. So too in the most important business of all—the concerns of the soul—there is a holy diligence and heavenly industry that causes it to thrive and grow, while spiritual laziness leaves the soul clothed in rags (Proverbs 23:21).