Believe it or not, God has given each of us the capability of learning new things. Now some of us may take longer to learn them, but we have been created to learn. We all have this need to grow intellectually. That’s why we go to school, college, and seminars, so we can learn the things we need to know to help us get by in life! This is why we will continue to read books not just for entertainment, but also to learn new things.
Can you imagine what it would be like if you never learned to tie your shoe? Now we sit here today and say man that’s stupid, it’s easy to tie your shoes. But when you were learning to tie your shoe, it was the most challenging thing for you to learn at that time. The reason we can say that it’s easy now is because we didn’t give up when we couldn’t do it the first time. We developed the intellectual ability to tie our own shoes. Hopefully that same tenacity and learning process will cause us to commit to be a life long learner. Scripture says,
“Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.” Proverbs 9:9 (NLT)
As we enter a New Year what will you do to continue growing becoming Intellectually Healthy? Here are some questions that I use to help me see how healthy I am in this area.
Now that you have thought through and/or thinking about your Intellectual Health, I encourage you to take some time to write down some goals to work towards in 2012.
My Intellectual Health Goals for 2012
1. Learn more about some of my hobbies
2. Read at least 6 books on leadership/Theology/Discipleship
3. Teach something new so I have to learn it also.
As you look at these five areas I am sure you will see areas where you are doing well and areas you need to do better. This year these are five areas that I really want to focus on and want to challenge you to look at as well. I understand that as a Husband, Father, and Leader that my health will lead to growth, why, because healthy things grow!!! Good luck and Happy New Year!!
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21(NLT)
Dan Gould 
Leave a comment