Wisdom…
As I sit and listen to the pastor expound on Solomon’s words on wisdom in
Proverbs 4, I am literally amazed at how simple it is, yet to many it's complicated.
Dare we wonder why so many are now pursuing atheism, Islam, and countless other un-Biblical r e l i g i o n s?
I listen to a young couple who had to experience loss to realize their need of Jesus
Christ and the body, the church. As they express their perception of God before
they came to Him, it is completely evident how the family has failed them, and
not just them, but countless thousands, if not millions of others just like them.
They didn’t expound upon their upbringing, except to say they went to “church”,
but it was a just a building, not a body. Ritual, religion; no relationship.
Now, thankfully, they have found a place of acceptance, their safe haven, you
might say.
As I look around, the majority in attendance is under forty years of age. Of
course, this is a college town, so go figure. But, as we console ourselves, at least
they’re in church. Or are they?
Please don’t misunderstand the statements contained herein.
Being sixty-five years old, having been a Christian over forty-four of those
years, please give me credit to speak from my experience.
Going to various churches, and here in the Bible belt, I never cease to be amazed
at the width the pendulum now swings. I can only wonder the magnitude of it up
north and on the west side of the country.
So much emphasis is put on worship, in contrast to emotional hype.
I agree, there should be more focus on true worship, but seemingly in today's
concept of that phraseology, the atmosphere leans more toward that of a
concert, rather than a worship encounter. Unless, of course, you seem to sense
the presence of God in the dark more than the light.
Personally, when I walk into a facility and I have to pause to allow my vision to
re-adjust so I don’t misstep, if there is a step down, or see if an usher is nearby to
direct me to a seat, I lose my perspective of my reason for being in this place.
I’m not being critical, just stating a fact.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world…he that follows me shall not walk in
darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Wisdom is a much needed virtue in our society today.
As Solomon stated in Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom…”and he reiterates it in Proverbs 9:10.
In Proverbs 4, Solomon speaks of attending to the words of his father, David,
who no doubt instructed him, because David was a man after God’s heart. David
even stated in Psalm 63, one of my favorites, in verse 8 that his soul
followed hard after God. How many fathers lead by that example?
So, when Solomon said in Proverbs chapter 4, verse 7, “wisdom is the principal
thing, so get wisdom; and in all your getting, get understanding,” what he is
suggesting is first off, fear the Lord, because that’s where wisdom begins.
Not fear, such as being afraid of the dark, but a Godly fear, reverent,
acknowledging how inadequate we are within ourselves, and how needy we
are of His activity in our lives. David stated in Psalm 23, “Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear of no evil…”
No matter how grossly David sinned, and mind you, if you study the life of David
from his youth to his death, he sinned in many ways…yet over and over we read
his acknowledgements of his great need for God to intervene in his life.
Repentance is a way of life, and if you think otherwise you’re full of pride.
David displays pride in his sinful states, and as Josh quotes Bob Goff, “Most of
pride's prisoners think they’re the guards.” How true , and how sad.
But, when we are confronted with our sin, as Samuel confronted David when he
had committed murder and adultery, David penned Psalm 51, one of the all
time great chapters on repentance, and he found humility to be his virtue; so
shall we.
As I read posts daily on my FB newsfeed, I see how ignorant so many supposedly
intelligent people are.
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul gives explicit indicators of what we are seeing today. In
Verse 7 he states, “ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the
truth.” Why? Because they have no fear of God, they’re full of themselves.
Thus, today, wisdom is lost in the winds of sin and deception. God continues
to send the “strong delusion” He said would come, deceiving those who would
not follow His laws. Without knowledge of God's love and His laws, wisdom is
no more to the lost than a grain of sand on a beach.
So, it behooves us, one and all, to discern the signs of the times.
Jesus comes every day, for someone. He sends the death angel, and he is no
respecter of person.
Jesus gave His all for all who will call on Him, and surrender their lives to Him.
Let's make it count…get wisdom, and follow His lead!
D. S. Mullis
.2017
