The Power of Understanding - Hand

As we move along our journey, we need to shift to the concept of understanding.

In this area, we must move from the head as we unpack knowledge and think about our hands. As our knowledge level increases, we must take action. Having a solid “How-to” is important in our discipleship journey.

Going back to the racing parable, the idea of understanding began to show up as I transitioned into the primary person who set up the car each week. A “set-up” on a race car involves a given number of parameters, including ride heights, shock configuration, spring selection, camber tuning, and overall balance. There are other factors, but those are the primary drivers that make the largest impact.

The tricky part is that each of those components has adverse effects on each other. As you adjust the balance in one area, the ride heights change in another. Every single turn of the wrench makes an impact on the handling of the machine. As I dove into a deeper level of understanding of how the car reacts, I began to learn how to make the necessary adjustments that provided our desired outcome.

Easily summarized, the baseline level of knowledge had to exist, and as my understanding increased I found myself capable of applying the right adjustments for things to take off. When I examine the power of understanding in the light of being a disciple I see similar connection points. Simply knowing a given number of Bible verses cannot be the desired finish line. At some point, the head of knowledge needs to manifest into something tangible if we are to fulfill what Jesus called us to in the Great Commission.

When I examine my discipleship journey, I see understanding show up the best when I’m teaching God’s Word to my family. It's been a true awakening to see how studying a section of scripture and building a level of knowledge by the gift of the Holy Spirit can shift it into an opportunity to help someone else grow in their own walk. Seeing this occur over and over within our family has been some of the sweetest moments I’ve experienced as a father.

Understanding, in our context, bridges the gap between knowledge and application, turning what we know about God into actions that glorify Him. It’s not enough to simply store up knowledge in our minds; we must allow it to guide our hands to take action. True understanding transforms our choices, our conversations, and the way we live out the Great Commission. This is where discipleship becomes real—not just in what we know, but in how we live and lead others closer to Christ.

As we move forward, we will unpack the concept of wisdom—the last part of our triple crown of Spiritual growth. It’s the guiding light that helps us discern God’s will and equips us to walk in His ways. Let’s press on, seeking His wisdom with humble hearts, ready to take the next step in our journey of faith.

Questions to Consider

1. In what areas of your life do you feel you’re “stuck” in knowledge, and how can you take steps to move toward understanding and application?
2. What are some practical “adjustments” you can make in your spiritual life to better align your actions with God’s purpose?