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HOW TO LEARN AND GROW SPIRITUALLY I make no profession to have all the answers or to know what works for everyone, but I know what has worked for me through the years. Here are a few tips for anyone who might benefit . . . LOTS OF READING. Nothing builds a sharp mind like heavy reading. I hear these lazy heads boast, "I learn better from videos." No you don't. Your flesh just likes them better. Unless you are very mentally challenged, your mind benefits far more from reading. Read daily and invest heavily in fine books. STUDY INDEPENDENTLY. Don't limit yourself to any particular group, camp or denomination. While the best preachers are usually Baptist (Independent, KJV, etc.), some of the best writers are not, and many are not KJV men. Don't succumb to the cult mentality by yielding your allegiance to one man or group. You'll only limit yourself in doing so. GO FOR THE MEAT. Don't waste your time being sidetracked with disagreements. Skip the bones and go for the meat. It doesn't matter that the author or preacher quoted from the wrong translation or recommended an apostate source, not if he has a treasure of truth for you to glean. Eat the meat and spit out the bones. If you can't manage this, you will not get far on the highway of truth, for there are no flawless teachers. BE THANKFUL AND PRAY. Continue instant in prayer for more wisdom and understanding, and thank God for everything you learn. Nothing will put you in darkness faster than an unappreciative and apathetic spirit. GET ZEALOUS. If you aren't excited about learning the Book, then either find a way to get excited or just quit. Serious Bible study is tough, and it's even tougher for half-hearted people. BE PATIENT. You might want to run your mouth about everything you learn and let others know how much you know, but move very slowly with this. While being a teacher to other hungry souls is a good thing, being a know-it-all blabbermouth is not. Bible study is an investment in your future. Let God open your doors naturally rather than kicking them open yourself. GET ALONE. Serious Bible study and devotion requires solitude (Mark 1:35). If you aren't careful, Satan will use family and friends to keep you away from God's word. Don't allow this to happen. APPLY THE WORD. James 1:22 says that you'll deceive yourself, if you hear the word only without DOING the word. Apply God's word as much as possible in your own life and become a DOER, not just a hearer. Many other tips could be given, such as which study materials to read, what kind of study Bible to have, what church to attend, etc., but all of that will work itself out in due time, if the above is followed.