Last month, I was speaking with someone in TMP who confessed something that stopped me in my tracks. “Jeff,” he said, “I’ve consumed so much content about leadership and faith that I can predict what the speaker will say next. But I realized yesterday that I’m not actually doing half of what I already know.”

His honesty hit me hard because I’ve felt the same. There’s something seductive about constantly consuming new insights but there’s something not happening: we never fully implement what we’ve already heard.

I was reminded of Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7:24-27 about the wise and foolish builders. Both heard the same teaching. The only difference? One put it into practice, and the other didn’t. When the storms came, that was the difference between standing firm and complete collapse.

This highlights a strategic problem we’re facing. I believe recently, the enemy has shifted tactics. He can no longer win through logic or direct opposition to truth. Even artificial intelligence systems now acknowledge Jesus as the most compelling option of all religions. So instead, the strategy has become a wise one – flood the zone.

Think about it – we’re drowning in content. Fifty-two sermons a year. Countless podcasts. YouTube videos. Bestselling books. Christian conferences. The Master’s Program sessions. It’s overwhelming. And in this flood of information, nothing sticks because we’re constantly moving on to the next insight, the next revelation, the next “life-changing” teaching.

As the great 19^th century author, Samuel Johnson wisely noted, “People need to be reminded more than they need to be instructed.” Yet, we keep chasing instruction while neglecting what we already know to be true.

This creates a dangerous pattern. We become consumers rather than practitioners. A pass through for a filet mignon of content that is out of us within 24 hours. Then, we develop a kind of truth fatigue where we’ve heard so many perspectives that we become skeptical of all of them. “That sounds true… for now,” we think, before quickly moving on to the next trend.

The difference between knowing and doing is critical. It’s not complex spiritual concepts that transform us – it’s simple obedience to what we already know. This is the essence of discipleship: not just hearing, but doing.

I’ve noticed this in my own life. The most significant spiritual growth hasn’t come from discovering new insights, but from consistently applying foundational truths I’ve known for decades. The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge – it’s a lack of implementation.

James 1:22 warns us not to merely listen to the word and so deceive ourselves. We must do what it says. This isn’t just good advice – it’s the difference between building on rock or sand.

Here’s what’s worked for me: Instead of constantly seeking new content, I’ve started re-reading the same core books and Scripture passages repeatedly, asking different questions each time. When I open the Bible, I don’t approach it thinking, “I’ve heard this before.” Instead, I ask, “What are You showing me today that I’ve missed before?”

I’ve returned to my TMP binders with fresh eyes, writing new insights in the margins, journaling prayers based on core principles I already know but need to implement more fully. I’m striving to be a practitioner, not just a hearer.

The results have been transformative. By focusing deeply on fewer inputs and emphasizing implementation, I’ve experienced more growth than when I was constantly consuming new content.

So, here’s my challenge to you today: The zone is flooded. It’s time to dam it up. Get obstinate about re-reading and focusing on core inputs. Choose three key spiritual resources – perhaps Scripture, your TMP materials, and one wisdom book – and commit to mining them deeply rather than moving on to something new.

Because in the end, it’s not how much we know that matters. It’s how faithfully we put into practice the truths we already have.

In your corner,
Jeff

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