The Lowe Show

This week marks the beginning of my third year as a Master of Divinity student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  Due to my full-time job, I’m easily on the “5 Year Plan”, but I will officially be halfway towards earning my degree at semester’s end. 

However, as I am beginning a new semester, I have taken some time to reflect on the past two years at seminary.  I am sure that my experience is very similar to countless other men and women who have sought to receive training for a life of full-time ministry.  Like many others, my wife and I came to Southern in 2006 with a passion for God and an unmatched excitement for God’s call on our lives.  I had been warned by godly friends that seminary was going to be very challenging, but I didn’t truly realize the truth behind those statements until I reviewed the syllabi for my three classes and realized that I had to read 16 books, write 3 or 4 papers, along with numerous quizzes and exams, all during my first semester!

But, like many others, I soon adjusted to the demands of a seminary education.  Unfortunately, also like many others, I soon found myself reading the books and God’s Word more because it was an assignment.  My thoughts were no longer, “I get to read God’s Word”, but were more along the lines of “I have to read God’s Word.”  Therefore, my devotions became mechanical.  It was just another task to check off of my list.  At the same time, I began to learn wonderful doctrines and truths that I just had to share with others.  But, a dangerous combination had been formed.  I was gaining biblical knowledge, but I was doing less and less with it.  My mind was expanding with biblical truth, but my heart was shrinking with biblical love.  The result was a cold and prideful person that I didn’t particularly care too much for (and I’m sure others didn’t either!)

During this semester, I’ve decided to scale back and take one less class than normal for two reasons: (1) Financial considerations, and more importantly (2) I can spend more time in God’s Word for my own spiritual nourishment.  In fact, I am already beginning to see the fruits of this decision, as I am experiencing a renewed love for God’s Word once again. 

And that’s one of the most important lessons that I have learned from seminary thus far!

“Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 1:3

Recently, I had the privilege of preaching the morning worship service sermon at my wonderful church in which I preached from Genesis 3:6 and how we (unlike Eve) must resist the temptations of the devil such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the temptation of pride.  While addressing the lust of the eyes (which is essentially a fancy way of describing covetousness), I discussed the fact that just as Satan pointed out to Eve the one fruit that she couldn’t eat, He also makes sure that we focus on the things that we don’t have.  Using advice from C.J. Mahaney’s wonderful little book about Humility, I shared with the congregation that we must resist the lust of the eyes, not by focusing on what God is keeping from us, but by focusing on the many blessings that He has graciously given us.

And there are abundant blessings!

First and foremost, God has blessed me with a wonderful wife who loves me, supports me, and cares for me.  When we first discussed God’s special call on our lives, she was so supportive, and her support has never wavered.  We have now been in Louisville for over two years, and she has sacrificed a great deal during that time.  Countless hours I have spent locked away in my office reading, researching, writing, and praying while she has found other things to do instead of spending time with her husband.  There have been times when this has been hard on both of us, but God is faithful, and He daily strengthens, encourages, and refreshes our love for one another.

God has also blessed us both with a wonderful place of service.  Although it took us over six months to find the right local church, it was worth the wait.  It is such a joy to serve alongside such a loving and supportive church family.  It is also a privilege to observe and learn from such a godly pastor, who I also consider one of my best friends.

God has blessed us with a multitude of friends.  While I was hoping and praying that we would make some friends while living in Louisville, I have been overwhelmed by the number of folks that Brandi and I have met.  I can truly say that many of the folks at our church have become family, and some lifelong friendships have developed.  Just like the Apostle Paul, I thank God daily for my friends!

God has blessed me with a wonderful family.  Although my immediate family lives about 4 hours from Louisville, they stay near and dear in my heart, and I think about them often.  Unfortunately, we don’t get to visit with them as much as we used to, but I cherish those times that we do.  I praise God that both of my parents are believers in Christ, as well as my brother (who is also an ordained minister) and sister-in-law.  Although we don’t see eye to eye on everything, I love them immensely, and I praise God for them.

These are just a few of the many blessings from God.  I didn’t even mention my health, my job, my home, my seminary, or any of the spiritual blessings that Paul lists in Ephesians 1:3-14.  God is good!  As you reflect on the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you, I hope that you will join me in praising our wonderful God and Savior.