I’ll be the first to say that intellect isn’t everything (1 Corinthians 13:2). That said, it does matter and the men in the NT were not in short supply of it. Peter and John weren’t trained in an official institution, but they knew what they were talking about because they had walked with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Paul’s wisdom was obvious even to his fellow workers (2 Peter 3:15-16), and his ability to reason was a part of his success in spreading the gospel throughout the Mediterranean (Acts 17:2-4). Even a common Pauline prayer included knowledge, wisdom, and understanding for his converts (Colossians 1:9-10). And can you imagine Jesus as one in whom we would place our confidence if he hadn’t grown in stature and wisdom (Luke 2:52)?

The great commandment itself includes, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind.” (Matthew 22:37). So where should you begin when trying to love God with your mind? Just a few verses before Jesus gave the great commandment he spoke to the Sadducees and told them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). I would begin by learning the scriptures. Your Bible knowledge will be your ceiling for personal growth and influence with others (like it or not). Read the Bible often and with enthusiasm, and as you grow never forget James 3:13-18.