I can't help but think of the supervillian, Megamind, when I think of people who are only concerned about "going deeper." The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians that "knowledge puffs up" and reminded them that "love builds up."
We want to be disciples who seek greater knowledge, understanding and insight. We want to have intelligent conversations with people about our faith in Christ Jesus. We want to, like Paul, engage the world with convincing arguments and give sound reasons for walking in the Way of Jesus.
Howeva, (can you still hear the southern lawyer in the courtroom?) if we aren't walking in obedience to what we already know then we'll just become big-headed. And if we are big-headed then we'll become arrogant and poison our relationship with the world and hinder our ability to influence them toward Jesus.
If instead we pursue depth with a heart of love for others, then depth can be a precursor to breadth. John McArthur notes that "if we will concentrate on the depth of our ministries, God will take care of the depth." (Colossians, p.77)
I am committed to being a life-long learner and grow deeper and deeper in my intimate knowledge and love for Jesus so that God can use me in whatever way he desires. We will be a church that encourages and pursues personal spiritual growth and depth so that God can give us as broad an influence as he desires.
It isn't EITHER depth OR breadth--it is BOTH depth AND breadth.
I am convinced that both depth and breadth are the work of God by faith through grace.
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