Eric Otchere I http://www.livingourbible.com I Saturday 27th December 2025
Introduction: Hearing Is Not the Same as Understanding
In the early years of life, learning is often centered on repetition rather than comprehension. When children start school, the primary goal is not deep understanding but the ability to hear information and reproduce it—memorising facts, repeating answers, and following instructions. At that stage, understanding is secondary.
As life progresses, however, learning takes on a new meaning. Education becomes less about what you can repeat and more about what you can apply. True learning is no longer measured by how much you hear, but by how well you understand and use what you have heard. In essence, true learning comes down to understanding and wise application.
Understanding: The Foundation of a Meaningful Life
Scripture places great emphasis on understanding. Proverbs 4:7 declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” This verse reveals that understanding is not optional—it is essential. Wisdom may be the principal thing, but understanding is what enables wisdom to work effectively in real life.
When you examine the lives of men and women who made lasting spiritual impact, one common factor stands out: they understood God’s Word and knew how to apply it to real-life situations. Their effectiveness was not rooted merely in knowledge, but in understanding.
A Lesson from Billy Graham: Conviction Anchored in Understanding
One of the most striking modern examples of this truth is the life of Evangelist Billy Graham of blessed memory. As his evangelistic crusades gained global recognition, he faced intense criticism—particularly from liberal theologians who challenged his “simple faith” and questioned the infallibility of Scripture.
These challenges shook him deeply. Unable to answer every theological argument, Billy Graham withdrew to a quiet place to seek God. There, he laid his doubts and questions before the Lord. In humility, he acknowledged his limitations, but he made a decisive choice: by faith, he accepted the Bible as the Word of God and committed to stand on it fully.
That moment of clarity marked a turning point. From then on, Billy Graham preached with unwavering conviction. His ministry flourished, reaching millions across the world and leading countless souls to Christ—many of whom remain firm in their faith today. His story reveals a powerful truth: when understanding settles your convictions, effectiveness follows.
Understanding Builds, Establishes, and Sustains
The Christian life is designed to be built on understanding. Proverbs 24:3–4 states, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Wisdom builds, but understanding establishes. Without understanding, what is built cannot stand for long.
Understanding completes the cycle of fruitfulness. It shapes how we live, how we make decisions, how we respond to challenges, and how we serve God faithfully. It transforms hearing into living and belief into action.
Conclusion: Living by Understanding
Let us strive to move beyond merely hearing God’s Word to truly understanding it. When understanding guides our faith, our lives become stable, fruitful, and impactful.
May God grant us understanding in all things, allowing His wisdom to shape our daily lives for His glory and for the blessing of others.
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