COV LIFE BLOG

Resource Highlight – Dug Down Deep

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters is a book by Joshua Harris, chronicling his own journey towards a deeper understanding and love for Christian truth, through an informed knowledge of God rather than traditions or morality.

The first sentence states, “It’s strange to see an Amish girl drunk.” This joke caught my attention. There is no such thing, I thought, because in my mind the Amish are the epitome of all things wholesome. Harris goes on to describe Rumspringa, a time when anything goes for Amish teenagers, who have the option to explore the outside world freely. They get to experience the worst part of society to the extreme. After they are sickened, many return to the familiar, safe world of the Amish life. “What are they really going back to?” he questions. “Are they choosing God or just a safe and simple way of life?”

How often do we as Christians have one foot in the world and the other foot in the church? How often do we go through the church motions, while remaining complacent in our walk? Do we really know what we believe and why? And why is it important, for us to truly know the God we claim to serve?

The book uses the story of Josiah to illustrate how it is possible for a generation of people to be happily religious, yet have no true knowledge of God (2 Kings 22). Our views of what happens around us are informed by our understanding of who God is, regardless of how accurate this knowledge may be.

The choice to know God accurately, through studying who He is through His word, is important. Because when we have a rich, accurate understanding of who God really is, our lives will be enriched. Harris says, “Knowing and living by sound doctrine are of utmost importance because on the final day only those who believed in Jesus Christ and lived for him will be rescued from the Wrath of God.”

Scripture is given to us to know and obey God. Therefore, living a sanctified life is not optional for the believer that is truly saved. Pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

This book addresses several theological questions, explores deep and great truths about God and with each chapter points is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we journey through his story of Joshua Harris’ own spiritual development, we are encouraged to lean on the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be Christ-like (1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:16-18).

These are timely reminders for each of us, who live in a culture that has exchanged God’s truth for lies. Thus, there is the ever-important need to be mature in our faith, as we stand firm in God’s truth (Romans 1:25, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 4:14-16).

For other resources to help in your daily walk, check out our Recommended Books.

Blessing Ekanem