This may be a very strange post title and request – “Take Away My Intellect”. But, bear with me.
Study, study, study. Knowledge is key to understanding and knowing. The world tells us to be smart and know more one must study hard and ‘go to school.’ With God that may not be best.
The mind through its own power, deduce the existence of God through knowledge of created things and through intellectual logic. Studying God’s self-revelation, the mind can learn more deeply the truths about God.
While the intellectual reflection upon divine revelation is right, these intellectual pursuits do not form the backbone of belief. The intellect is greatly limited and cannot plumb the mysteries of God.
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25
It is here we see the pressing need of the soul to develop the virtue of trust. He must trust God enough to let go of their rational control. They must give up complete reliance on only what they know through their biological senses and conscience minds.
The soul must learn to develop his ‘spiritual senses’.
“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” – John 20:29
Seeing is not always believing, believing is not dependent upon seeing.
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
I have dealt with the intellectual struggle to know God all my life. I’ve demanded proof and signs so my mind could believe. I’ve feared and doubted God’s reality because my mind wasn’t ‘seeing’ God. But, I’ve started to let go and just believe. Part of my graduate school of trust involves letting go and just believing. If God is God then God is. Period.
Yes, it is important to study and learn scripture to know God, to know His Word and to know His Church. The intellectual pursuit of God is key to knowing God’s mind and teaching. It is through the intellect we learn of the Trinity. But, it is only through faith that we can believe in the Trinity. Only through faith that we can believe.
As we let go of our intellect and abandon ourselves to God, we come to know Him in a deeper, more intimate and proven way.
Let go of having to know it all.
Stop trying to know God and simply declare, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)